Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd was ejected midway through the first quarter of Saturday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls after a heated exchange with veteran referee Scott Foster. The incident stemmed from a disputed goaltending call on Mavericks guard Max Christie, which Kidd attempted to challenge but was denied due to a timing issue with a timeout call.
The game, held at the United Center in Chicago on January 10, 2026, saw the Bulls take an early 18-13 lead before Christie was called for goaltending after blocking a layup attempt by Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu. Kidd immediately called a timeout to initiate a coach’s challenge, but officials ruled that the request came too late, leading to his frustration. According to reports from ESPN and USA Today, Kidd argued vehemently with Foster, who responded by issuing two technical fouls, resulting in Kidd’s ejection with 5:44 remaining in the first quarter.
This marked only the second time Kidd has been ejected since becoming the Mavericks’ head coach in June 2021, highlighting the rarity of such events in his tenure. Assistant coach Frank Vogel stepped in to lead the team for the remainder of the game, but the Mavericks struggled to maintain momentum. The Bulls capitalized on the disruption, outscoring Dallas 36-28 in the first quarter and eventually securing a decisive 125-107 victory.
The ejection occurred during a critical moment in the game, as the Mavericks were trying to close the gap early on. Kidd’s absence from the sidelines seemed to affect the team’s defensive coordination and offensive flow, with players appearing unsettled by the sudden change in leadership. The Bulls, on the other hand, maintained their aggressive pace, leveraging the momentum to build a substantial lead that they never relinquished.
Scott Foster, a seasoned NBA official with a reputation for strict enforcement, has been involved in similar incidents with coaches in the past, adding context to the confrontation. The pool report from the game indicated that Foster explained the ejection was due to Kidd’s persistent arguing after the challenge denial, though specific details of the exchange were not disclosed. This incident raises questions about the NBA’s challenge system and the timing rules that coaches must navigate during high-pressure moments.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will need to regroup as they face upcoming games, with Kidd likely to face potential fines or further disciplinary action from the league, though no announcements have been made yet. The team is also dealing with injury concerns, such as Anthony Davis’s hand issue, which could compound their challenges. For the Bulls, the win boosts their standing in the Eastern Conference, demonstrating their ability to exploit opponents’ missteps.
In summary, Kidd’s ejection underscores the intense emotions and high stakes of NBA games, where split-second decisions by officials can significantly impact outcomes. It serves as a reminder of the fine line coaches walk between advocating for their teams and adhering to league protocols. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to learn from this episode, with the Mavericks focusing on resilience and the Bulls continuing their competitive push.
