In their past five games, including three big wins, Jason Kidd has put up huge numbers for the Dallas Mavericks.
Over that span, No. 2 has recorded three double-doubles, 63 assists and 53 points. But it’s his guidance that has taken the Mavs back toward the top of the Western Conference, as Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle told the Star-Telegram.
"He’s 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. He does a lot of directing and gives the guys a lot of confidence."
Star-Telegram writer Eddie Sefko wrote that Dirk Nowitzki is the undeniable face of the Mavericks franchise. If this is true, then J-Kidd is the undeniable backbone.
He means more to the team than his statistics. Mavericks president of basketball relations Donnie Nelson said it’s the minor details that make No. 2 the leader he is today.
"It’s the heart, it’s the little things he says to the rookie, it’s him not scoring any points and then winning the game with a 3. Totally unselfish and one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever met in my life."
The face of the Mavericks echoed those sentiments and referred to No. 2 as a quiet leader.
"Off the floor, he’s kind of like me," Nowitzki said. "He’s a quiet leader. But once he gets really ticked off, he’ll let you know and he’ll go at it after games or after practice. When he sees something he doesn’t like, he’ll definitely address it."
The modest backbone summed everything up quite simply.
"I just try to keep my eyes open and make the game easier for my teammates," Kidd said.
NEXT UP
No. 2 hopes to lead his team to another win tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers at 6 p.m CST on Fox Sports Network.
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Kidd on a roll for Mavericks (Star-Telegram, Jan. 22, 2010)
http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/1913114.html