The New York Knicks are officially making an early season statement.


Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton cheer from the bench as the Knicks reserves close out Monday’s win (Getty Images).

The Knicks moved to 3-0 on Monday night with a 110-88 victory over the Sixers at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. With the win, New York completed a home and home sweep of Philly and all three of their wins so far this season have come against 2012 playoff teams by an average of nearly 20 points per game.

Because of the blowout nature of the game, Jason Kidd played just 18 minutes, but in that time his production was plentiful. He collected four rebounds, dished out two assists, picked up another steal and scored three points by sinking a trey, his only shot from the field. The Knicks were +12 with No. 5 on the floor.

Afterward he spoke about how the New York defense — which held an opponent under 90 points for the third consecutive game — and unselfishness created their highest offensive output of the season.

"When you play defense, the offense comes. No matter how many times you miss, the ball will start falling for you if you do the right thing," he said. "When everybody’s touching the ball it becomes contagious. You can’t guard the pass. No matter what you do the ball is going to travel faster, and guys are getting wide open looks."

The Knicks survived an initial onslaught from the Sixers in the first when Philly went on a 9-0 run to start the game and led by 10, 14-4, after three minutes. But rather than call a timeout and make substitutions, coach Mike Woodson opted to stay with his starters because he was confident in the leadership on the court. Center Tyson Chandler remarked that he could hear teammates J-Kidd and Carmelo Anthony telling others to stay calm.

"He understands that we’re a different team and we’re not going to get rattled by a situation like that," Chandler said of Coach Mike Woodson. "With every bucket, I could hear Jason Kidd and Carmelo saying: ‘Stick to the game plan. Nobody get rattled.’ Slowly, we got comfortable."

Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com has observed that Jason’s unselfishness and commitment to the all around game appears to have rubbed off on Anthony, who is scoring as much as he has in years, by playing a more efficient and complete game.

"Kidd, despite being 39, is as engaged and involved as ever. The nuances and instincts he brings have thus far been tangible. Especially with Anthony, who to this point seems engaged to the idea of moving the ball and being active defensively. He is giving extra effort, chasing loose balls, looking to work out of the post as the power forward, even inviting double-teams so he can create open shots for teammates."

After playing on Team USA for the second time this summer and experiencing success while being unselfish with the ball, Anthony has embraced a more well-rounded game. He also noted that having veterans like J-Kidd, Kurt Thomas, Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby on the team has helped him settle in.

"It forces me to mature out there," Anthony said about the influence of the veterans. "Having the veterans, those guys bringing me up under their wings. It’s a learning process to have guys like Jason. I’ve never been on a team with veterans like we have. Everybody in the world knows I can score. For me to come out here and do something else, it makes us better."


J-Kidd believes team basketball has led directly to New York’s success (Getty Images).

Jason also believes that the Knicks’ plethora of veteran perimeter scoring options around Carmelo, including himself, Raymond Felton, Steve Novak, J.R. Smith and Ronnie Brewer has given Anthony pause when he thinks about taking a shot out of a double team. Instead he realizes that two on him means another shooter has an open look.

"You should never have to take a shot where two or three guys on you. Melo understands that and you can see it in his play," Jason said. "He’s being unselfish."

Anthony still led the team in scoring with 21 on Monday, but Smith added 17, Felton scored 16 and Brewer had 14. J-Kidd feels that Brewer’s game in particular will be an asset to the Knicks moving forward.

"Give him the ball. He’s a professional," J-Kidd said. "Everybody is going to miss shots. You got to keep taking them when you’re open. And I think he shot the ball well."

NEXT UP
After playing three games in four nights, Jason and the Knicks get a three-day break from action before they play again on Friday against his former team the Dallas Mavericks.

J-Kidd left the Mavericks this summer after four and a half years in Dallas that included a 2011 Championship run. During his 18-year career, Jason played 500 regular season games and 42 playoff games over two stints with the Mavs. In 31 games against the Mavericks in his career, Jason has averages of 15.1 points, 9.5 assists and 7.1 rebounds per game.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM EDT and can be seen on MSG.

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