BOSTON — The Dallas Mavericks are making their way home for the first time after the surprising trade of their star player, Luka Doncic, and head coach Jason Kidd is braced for the fan response.

“We feel for the fans,” Kidd remarked following the Mavericks’ 127-120 win against Boston, a rematch of the NBA Finals series that the Celtics secured in June. “I realize they will likely be disappointed. However, as a coach, my priority is to prepare the team I have now to compete effectively against Houston, and that’s where my focus lies.”

Doncic, a five-time All-NBA first team player at just 25 years of age, was traded on Sunday to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, a deal that shocked many throughout the league. The reaction from Dallas fans has been one of discontent, with a common sentiment being that Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison might have sacrificed too much and received too little in return.

Davis sat out the game on Thursday due to an abdominal strain but is anticipated to make his debut with the Mavericks on Saturday against the Rockets as the team returns from a challenging five-game road trip.