The NBA Finals is a chess match, and many people believe Jason Kidd is using mind games to try to give the Dallas Mavericks an advantage after getting blown out in Game 1 against the Boston Celtics.

Kidd was asked on Saturday about what makes playing against Jaylen Brown challenging, and he responded by saying that “Jaylen is their best player” for what he contributes defensively against the likes of Luka Doncic to pair with his offensive game.

Jason Kidd accused of trying to “divide” Boston Celtics

Many Celtics fans took that as a diss towards Jayson Tatum, who is widely regarded as the Celtics’ top player. Former Celtic Kendrick Perkins took it as Kidd trying to divide Boston by any means possible.

It’s not only Perkins that thinks that. Even Tatum himself addressed Kidd’s comments on Saturday with a similar sentiment.

“We understand that people try to drive a wedge between us. It’s a smart thing to do or try to do. But we’ve been in this position for many years of guys trying to divide us… so this is not our first time at the rodeo.”

Brown, meanwhile responded by saying that he has “no reaction” to Kidd’s comments, emphasizing that it’s a team game.