‘Fire Nico’ Chants Rock Mavericks Fans After Bucks Defeat and Flagg’s Career Night
The Night That Shook Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks’ home game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night was supposed to be a turning point — a chance to stop their early-season slump, and a moment for rookie sensation Cooper Flagg to show his growth.
Flagg delivered.
The 18-year-old No. 1 overall pick played his best game yet, scoring 26 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and showing flashes of the superstar potential that made him one of the most hyped prospects in recent years.
But as the Mavericks’ double-digit lead disappeared in the fourth quarter, something else took over the arena — frustration, anger, and a chant that’s become the symbol of a fanbase on edge:
“FIRE NICO! FIRE NICO!”
Those three words echoed through the American Airlines Center, drowning out Flagg’s breakout night and spotlighting a franchise in chaos.
Why Fans Are Chanting “Fire Nico”
The chants weren’t new. They’ve been bubbling since February 2025, when general manager Nico Harrison made what many fans call the worst trade in franchise history — sending Luka Dončić, the heart and face of the Mavericks, to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In return, Dallas received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick — a deal fans immediately viewed as one-sided and short-sighted.
Dončić went on to thrive in Los Angeles, while Davis’s time in Dallas has been defined by injuries and inconsistency.
Fans felt betrayed.
And eight months later, with the Mavericks sitting at 3-8, that anger has only grown stronger.
When the team blew a 13-point lead against the Bucks and lost 116-114, the frustration boiled over into full-scale rebellion from the stands.
Inside the Arena: Fans Voice Their Fury
The first chants began midway through the fourth quarter, as P.J. Washington stepped to the free-throw line.
By the time the final minute ticked away, the chant was roaring through the entire building.
Even Patrick Dumont, the team’s governor (and part of the ownership group that bought out Mark Cuban’s majority stake in 2023), sat courtside silently as the fans demanded change.
When Washington missed a crucial free throw with 1.2 seconds left, sealing the loss, the crowd’s voice was deafening.
For Dallas fans, this wasn’t about one game — it was about years of mismanagement, lost stars, and shattered trust.
“Everybody has an opinion,” said Washington after the game. “Our job is to stay professional and try to win. But yeah, you can feel it.”
The Real Issue: Nico Harrison’s Leadership
When Nico Harrison was hired in 2021, he was seen as a bold, unconventional choice.
A former Nike executive with no front-office experience, Harrison was known for his relationships with players — especially stars like Kobe Bryant and Luka Dončić.
At first, things looked promising. The Mavericks made deep playoff runs in 2022 and 2024.
But then came the turning point — the Dončić trade.
Harrison defended the move by saying:
“Defense wins championships.”
He believed Anthony Davis could anchor a more balanced team built around size and defense rather than a single superstar.
It didn’t work.
Since the trade, Dallas has been plagued by injuries, locker room issues, and front-office tension. Davis has played only 14 regular-season games since joining the Mavericks, and the team’s chemistry collapsed.
Now, league insiders say it’s not a matter of if Harrison is fired — but when.
Multiple reports confirm that a meeting scheduled for Tuesday morning will determine Harrison’s fate, with ownership expected to announce his dismissal and promote Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi as interim co-heads of basketball operations.
The Fallout: A Franchise Divided
This isn’t just a front-office problem. It’s a culture problem.
When Luka Dončić left, he took more than points and assists — he took the team’s identity.
Since then, fans have questioned nearly every move the Mavericks have made:
- The firing of long-time medical and training staff.
- The lack of communication about player injuries.
- The failure to surround young talent with reliable veterans.
Even within the organization, sources describe eroding trust between ownership, coaching staff, and Harrison.
Patrick Dumont, according to reports, has been far more hands-on this season — even weighing in on Anthony Davis’s return timeline from injury. That’s a major red flag for any GM.
The message is clear: leadership has lost control.
Cooper Flagg: A Star Amid the Chaos
If there’s a silver lining, it’s Cooper Flagg.
At just 18 years old, he’s already showing the poise of a future franchise cornerstone.
His performance against the Bucks was fearless — attacking the paint, defending aggressively, and even taking on Giannis Antetokounmpo one-on-one.
At 18 years and 324 days old, Flagg tied LeBron James as one of the youngest players ever to score 25+ points in an NBA game.
His confidence was contagious.
“I know who I am,” Flagg said postgame. “I’m here to compete, get better every day, and keep trusting the work.”
Veteran guard Klay Thompson praised him afterward:
“That was fearless. You don’t see many 18-year-olds doing that against Giannis. This kid’s special.”
Flagg’s emergence gives Dallas fans something to hope for — even as the franchise struggles off the court.
The Turning Point: Nico Harrison’s Expected Firing
Multiple outlets, including ESPN, reported that Nico Harrison was expected to be fired at a 10 a.m. CT meeting on Tuesday.
If confirmed, it would mark one of the most dramatic midseason leadership changes in recent NBA history.
What to Expect Next
- Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will likely share interim GM duties.
- Patrick Dumont is expected to release a letter to fans explaining the decision.
- The Mavericks will begin a search for a new full-time GM — potentially looking at veteran executives or up-and-coming assistants from other teams.
This firing could also reset the Mavericks’ long-term direction — shifting focus fully toward rebuilding around Cooper Flagg rather than trying to chase short-term wins.
What Fans Want — and What the Team Must Do
The chants of “Fire Nico” made one thing very clear: fans want accountability.
The Mavericks’ leadership can’t repair trust overnight, but here’s what must happen next:
1. Communicate Honestly with Fans
Dallas fans are smart and loyal. They’ve stuck through ups and downs before. What they want now is transparency — about the team’s plan, injuries, and roster direction.
2. Build Around Cooper Flagg
Flagg is the future. Surround him with shooters, veteran mentors, and stable leadership. He doesn’t need to be the savior yet — he needs a system that helps him grow.
3. Reinforce the Culture
Players like Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford are professionals who can help stabilize the locker room. But they need clarity from management to keep morale high.
4. Health Comes First
Anthony Davis’s repeated injuries have frustrated everyone. The Mavericks must overhaul their medical and training staff — and be transparent about player health timelines.
5. Rebuild Trust, Brick by Brick
The “Fire Nico” chants might fade, but trust won’t return until fans see consistent effort, communication, and improvement on the court.
The Road Ahead
The Mavericks’ current record (3-8) paints a grim picture, but the season isn’t over.
Flagg is blossoming. Davis may return soon. And a new front office could bring a fresh perspective.
If the Mavericks can stabilize leadership and get healthy, they could still compete for a play-in spot.
But long-term success depends on vision — and whether ownership learns from its mistakes.
This franchise has a history of redemption stories. Maybe this turmoil is the start of another.
Quick Facts
- Game: Mavericks vs Bucks
- Final Score: Bucks 116, Mavericks 114
- Top Performer: Cooper Flagg (26 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST)
- Crowd Reaction: “Fire Nico” chants aimed at GM Nico Harrison
- Next Step: Harrison expected to be fired after ownership meeting
- Team Record: 3-8
FAQs
Q1: Why are Mavericks fans chanting “Fire Nico”?
Fans are angry about GM Nico Harrison’s decision to trade Luka Dončić and the team’s poor performance this season.
Q2: Who is replacing Nico Harrison?
Assistant GMs Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi are expected to lead basketball operations on an interim basis.
Q3: How did Cooper Flagg perform against the Bucks?
Flagg scored a career-high 26 points and tied LeBron James as one of the youngest players ever to score 25+ in a game.
Q4: What is the Mavericks’ record now?
Dallas is 3-8 after losing to Milwaukee, currently sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Q5: Will the Mavericks rebuild or compete this season?
With Flagg’s rise and Harrison’s exit, expect Dallas to focus more on development and long-term rebuilding around young talent.