Kidd, Wright help Mavs pound Nets

DALLAS: Jason Kidd and Antoine Wright celebrated the first anniversary of their trade from the New Jersey Nets a day early Wednesday, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 113-98 victory over their former team.

Kidd opened the game with three early 3-pointers and scored 23 points, one shy of his season high. He also had 10 assists and a quick-handed steal against Devin Harris - the youngster he was dealt for - during the game-breaking third quarter. Wright hit three 3-pointers and scored 13 of his 20 points in the period.

Josh Howard had 24 points and 10 rebounds, and Dirk Nowitzki had 23 points and nine rebounds for Dallas, 7-2 since Kidd was put in charge of the offense. New Jersey lost its fourth straight, all by at least 15 points.