Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavericks took another step toward clinching the No. 2 seed in the Southwest with Wednesday night’s 110-84 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

J-Kidd set the tone early by nailing a shot from downtown within the first minute of the game. He went three-for-three from long range in the first quarter, giving the Mavs a comfortable 33-20 lead.

Late in the third quarter, No. 2 got poked in the eye by forward Zach Randolph and immediately hit the floor. But after being inspected by team trainer Casey Smith, Jason returned to the court, a true gamer.

To hear what Jason had to say about his eye, check out this video from DallasBasketball.com.

Despite his optic injury, Jason finished the night with a double-double, 12 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and a steal.

SEIZE THE MOMENT
J-Kidd knows that if his team is going to grab the No. 2 seed, they have to make it happen, as he told ESPN.

 

"We hold our destiny in our hands in the sense that if we want that No. 2 seed, we just have to win out."

The Mavs hit the road for their final four regular season games, the toughest coming up tomorrow night against the Portland Trailblazers. The Mavericks can clinch the coveted spot if they beat the Trailblazers and if the Spurs lose to Memphis tomorrow.

Beating the Trailblazers, however, is easier said than done. Portland has won all three meetings this season, holding the Mavs to just 43.6 percent shooting.

J-Kidd knows the importance of the game but doesn’t want to put any pressure on himself or his teammates, as he told ESPN.

"We understand what’s at stake. There’s no need to come out flat or put any pressure on ourselves," Kidd said. "We have to play defense, and when we play defense it gives us a chance to win. As a whole, everybody committed to the defensive plan, and we made it tough."

NEXT UP
The Mavs face the Portland Trailblazers in the first of their final four regular season games tonight at 9 p.m. CST on Comcast Sports Net.

RELATED STORIES
Mavs don’t let Grizzlies get in way (ESPN.com, April 8, 2010)
http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/columns/story?columnist=caplan_jeff&id=5066024
Mavs hold inside track to No. 2 seed (ESPN.com, April 8, 2010)
http://www.nba.com/games/20100407/MEMDAL/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0020901167