DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are currently tied for the third-best turnover average per game in the NBA. Dallas’ 11.3 turnovers per game are tied with the Boston Celtics, as only the Miami Heat (10.9) and Houston Rockets (10.9) have better statistical averages. Taking care of the basketball isn’t always something that gets the most attention, but Mavs head coach Jason Kidd, a former star point guard, understands its importance.

“You look at our two quarterbacks, they do a really good job of executing and being able to find the open guy,” Kidd said while speaking to reporters after Thursday’s practice. “When you look at Luka (Doncic) and Kai (Kyrie Irving), being able to have low turnovers, it puts us in a good position to be able to get a good shot. And if we can make those shots, that makes things a lot better too.

“When you just look at taking care of the ball, that’s what we’ve been for four years, a team that takes care of the ball.”

Jason Kidd’s impact on the Mavericks’ ability to limit turnovers

Kidd averaged just 2.9 turnovers per game during his Hall of Fame career. As someone who often controlled the ball, Kidd knows that momentum can change drastically from just one turnover. The Mavs’ ability to take care of the basketball has been crucial.

Dallas ranked seventh (12.1 turnovers per game) in the 2023-24 season. The Mavs were second (11.7 turnovers per game) in 2022-23. This is clearly something Kidd and the Mavericks appreciate.

“You appreciate high-quality shots, you just understand how hard it is to work on the defensive side to get stops that you want to be able to get a good look at,” Kidd said later. “Right now we’re a team that takes care of the ball and that’s important.”

Of course, every NBA team wants to limit turnovers. This isn’t something only the Mavs take note of. However, some teams just can’t execute it. The Mavericks by Jason Kidd seem to place more emphasis on limiting these errors.

Naji Marshall gets 100% real learning from Jason Kidd

Naji Marshall is in his first season with the Mavs. He has had a great impact in recent actions. Marshall spoke about Dallas’ ability to limit turnovers and learn from the Mavs head coach.

“Coach trusts us,” Marshall said Thursday. “He trusts us to make the right play, I feel like we’re here to do that.”

Marshall appreciates having the opportunity to learn from an NBA Hall of Famer like Jason Kidd.

“Man, amazing,” Marshall said of learning from Kidd. “You know, he sees the game differently. The advice, the advice he gives me is incredible because… it really works. I love being successful, and you know, being who he is, it kind of goes hand in hand.

Ultimately, turnarounds will happen. No team is perfect. However, the The Mavericks will be in a better position overall if they are able to continue to limit turnovers.