When Jason Kidd stripped Jason Richardson of the ball with just over three minutes left in the game on Wednesday, he reached a new career-high. Never before had J-Kidd snagged seven steals in a single game.

Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle was amazed by No. 2’s performance. As he told the Star Telegram:

"He’s just amazing. It was an amazing game. To get seven steals is incredible, and they all seemed to come at timely moments when they were getting ready to get a layup or an open shot."

After the revamped Mavs fell to the Thunder Tuesday night, J-Kidd said this revamped team would work out. He backed up his words with one of his best performances of the season.

In addition to his seven steals, J-Kidd collected his 16th double-double of the season. He added 18 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in the Dallas Mavericks 107-97 win over the Phoenix Suns.

LOVE FOR J-KIDD
The newest Mavericks are looking to No. 2 for direction on the hardwood. After last night’s win, they told ESPN how much they love playing with the veteran.

Brendan Haywood told ESPN that he’s never played with a player as selfless as No. 2:

"Oh, my goodness, I’ve never had it this good. I’ve never played with a pass-first point guard. It’s great playing with him, because you know if you run and you’re active, he’s going to get it to you. That gives you more incentive."

Caron Butler was honored to share the floor with a sure-fire hall-of-famer and said Jason’s presence gives him an instant boost:

"He’s a Hall of Famer, one of the best to ever do it, and I love playing with a guy like that. He gives you that confidence and makes the game that much easier."

Dirk Nowitzki noticed that J-Kidd is making the transition easier for the new players:

"When you have a veteran leader and Hall of Famer running the point, it’s easy for the other guys to get used to it. Kidd is as smart a point guard obviously as there is."

NEXT UP
No. 2 hopes to lead his new team to another victory Friday night at 7 p.m. against the Orlando Magic. Catch the game on KTXA.

RELATED STORIES
Mavs get more for less (Star Telegram, Feb. 18, 2010)
http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/1977279.html
Dallas Mavericks’ most recent blockbuster trade highlights Jason Kidd’s importance (ESPN.com, Feb. 18, 2010)
http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/columns/story?columnist=macmahon_tim&id=4923665
Mavericks at Suns Boxscore (NBA.com, Feb. 18, 2010)
http://www.nba.com/games/20100217/PHXDAL/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0020900799#nbaGIboxscore