Washington, DC–
If there was any doubt that Jason Kidd does not to be a part of the New Jersey Nets, tonight he gave it his all with a triple double, but it was the Butler who did it, Caro Butler that is with 28 points leading the way for the Wizards in a 104-89 victory over the Nets.
The Wizards had a nice balance on the scoring tonight with Antwan Jamison scoring 22 points behind Butler. DeShawn Stevenson added 12, Darius Songaila 11, and Brendan Haywood and Antonio Daniels each had 10.
For the Nets, Vince Carter scored 30 points to lead New Jersy. He scored 17 points in the second half, including 11 of the Nets’ first 13 second-half points. Jason Kidd picked up his 93rd career triple-double with 13 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. Bostjan Nachbar added 19 points for the Nets.
The tunring point in tonight’s game might have been when DeShawn Stevenson delivered the Nets Richard Jefferson a facial dunk. A little trash talking afterward netted Stevenson a technical foul, but it was as close as the Nets would come for the reamainder of the game.
The Wizards outscored New Jersey 36-24 in the third and turned six Nets turnovers into 13 points.
Wizards Head Coach Eddie Jordan commented on the play and how Jason Kidd could have really hurt them more than he did tonight.
“No, I expect him to be extraordinary,” Jordan said. “He’s number one in my book in the NBA in terms of guys I respect. As an opponent, he’s number one, no doubt about it. His performance night after night including tonight is why he is one of the most respected players in the NBA.
Wizards Notes:
Songaila left the game and limped down the tunnel to the locker room with 1:38 left. Jason Kidd’s triple-double was the fourth of his career against Washington.
