Bucks' Jason Terry reacts to firing of coach and former teammate Jason Kidd

Milwaukee Bucks guard Jason Terry and Jason Kidd are longtime friends and were teammates on the 2011 NBA champion Dallas Mavericks.

So Terry had some strong feelings about Kidd getting fired as coach of the Bucks on Monday.

Here is some of what he said after the Bucks' 109-105 victory over the Phoenix Suns:

Q. How did you take the news?

A. I don’t think it was too bad only because, well for me, personally, obviously emotional. I think for the team as a whole, we had a nice conversation before everyone got off into their routines. (General manager) Mr. (Jon) Horst addressed the team. We were able to speak our peace, and then guys were able to go out and focus in on the task at hand.

Q. Is it fair to say that you wouldn't be here if it weren't for Jason Kidd?

A. No question. He’s a brother to me. We all know that, but I never would have stepped foot in the city of Milwaukee without him. It’s a blessing to be here. Horst (and the front office), they still believe in what I bring to the team so I’m here to ride this thing out. I’m here to see this thing done. We set out a goal before the season as a team. One of our brothers is down. So, through adversity, we’ll band together as a group and become stronger as a unit.

Q. Have you spoken to Kidd since he was fired?

A. For him, he understands its another chapter in his book, which is a hall of fame book. He did a great job here. This is not by any means a failure for him. Where this franchise was before he got here to where they are now and where they’re continuing to go, he has a part in that. He understands that part of the business. He wished us the best and told us to continue to go out there, work hard each day, have fun and enjoy the process.

Q. With Kidd being gone, does that make this experience any less or change anything for you? 

A. It motivates me even more because I understand his vision, his passion for the game and where he had foreseen this franchise going. So I want to see that out, I want to be a part of that ending story that says, ‘Hey, we accomplished something great.’ We all believe in here and that’s what we talked about today. Joe Prunty has a very similar message, but he understands it’s going to take each guy in here to come to work every night and really concentrate and focus on doing his job.