Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd has a true talent for distributing the ball at the perfect time.
That talent has rarely been more evident than over the past five games as No. 2 has dished out an astounding 63 assists.
Fifteen of those 63 assists came in last night’s nail-biting 94-93 victory over the Washington Wizards.
 Jason drives during the Mavericks’ win on Wednesday night (Getty Images). |
The win marked the ninth consecutive time this season the Mavs have won a game decided by one-point. The rare mark ties them with the St. Louis Hawks of the ’50s and ’60s for the second longest streak in the NBA.
Along with his killer assist total, J-Kidd put up six points, grabbed five rebounds and swiped two steals. No. 2 told the Star-Telegram that this was a more important win for Dallas than Monday night’s 99-90 victory over the Celtics.
"After the big win in Boston, we didn’t want to give one away. Washington is playing extremely well and this was a big win –- bigger than the one in Boston because we backed it up and validated it. Any time you win on the road in the NBA you’re doing something right."
Although their offense got them there, Jason also noted that defensive strides were made as the Mavericks continue to mold their identity on the other end of the floor.
"To win it on a defensive possession — in the past, you wouldn’t say that about the Mavericks. Shawn made a great play."
LEADER OF THE PACK
Jason Terry, who played alongside J-Kidd at the two-guard on Wednesday, told the Star-Telegram that the veteran experience of the Mavericks, including that of No. 2, is what propelled Dallas to their second consecutive win.
"It’s a testament to our veteran leadership. We got guys who have played in big games and tough, close ballgames."
Head coach Rick Carlisle concurred, noting that J-Kidd is displaying his leadership skills this season better than he could ever remember.
"(Kidd) is leading the team as well as he ever has," Carlisle said. "He’s got a real pulse on the team and a good hand on the controls. It’s really key. He’s done a lot of directing of things defensively too, and he gives the rest of the guys a lot of confidence. So, we need him to continue to do what he’s doing, obviously."
NEXT UP
J-Kidd will lead the Mavericks in to the City of Brotherly Love on Friday as they play the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth game of a five-game road trip.
The last time these teams met, the Mavericks came out on top with a 104-102 win on Nov. 30. That night Jason racked up a double-double with 22 points and 11 assists
Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST on Fox Sports Network.
RELATED STORIES
Dallas Mavericks’ Shawn Marion puts stop to Wizards’ comeback (Star-Telegram, Jan. 21, 2010)
http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/1909708.html
Dallas Mavericks 94, Washington Wizards 93 (Pegasus News, Jan. 21, 2010)
http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2010/jan/21/dallas-mavericks-94-washington-wizards-93/
Mavericks at Wizards Boxscore (NBA.com, Jan. 21, 2010)
http://www.nba.com/games/20100120/DALWAS/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0020900612#nbaGIboxscore