Kidd dominates as Nets topple Pacers
(AP)
Updated: 2006-04-30 09:51
INDIANAPOLIS - Jason Kidd returned to being dominant, and helped the New
Jersey Nets even their first-round series with the Indiana Pacers.
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| New Jersey Nets'
Jason Kidd (5) puts up a shot against Indiana Pacers' Anthony Johnson,
center, and Fred Jones during the third quarter of an NBA first-round
playoff basketball game in Indianapolis, Saturday, April 29,
2006.[AP] |
| Kidd, who
acknowledged he had been outplayed by Indiana's Anthony Johnson the first three
games of the Eastern Conference series, had a strong all-around game with 10
points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals to lead the Nets to a 97-88
victory in Game 4 on Saturday.
New Jersey coach Lawrence Frank said though Johnson has played well, he likes
his point guard.
"Jason's been great," he said. "Jason's value has nothing to do with the box
score. Jason, you feel his presence. Jason imposes his will on the game, and
that's what he did today. Give me Jason Kidd any day of the week."
The Pacers finished with 23 turnovers which led to 23 New Jersey points.
Johnson, who had 12 points, four assists and six turnovers, said he became
overzealous while trying to help the Pacers come back from a double-digit
deficit.
"Playing from behind against those guys is not the recipe for success," he
said. "We didn't give ourselves a chance with those turnovers. Instead of being
patient, I got myself into trouble. I got too deep trying to make plays that
weren't there."
Vince Carter scored 28 points, Richard Jefferson had 22 and Nenad Krstic 21.
Game 5 is Tuesday night in New Jersey.
Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal scored 22 points before fouling out with 1:21 left.
He had dunked on the previous play to cut New Jersey's lead to 93-88, but got
caught on Jefferson's drive to the basket.
"The sixth foul call on Jermaine was a tough call," Indiana coach Rick
Carlisle said. "I thought he jumped straight up, but then there was contact and
the ref made the call that he saw. It was unfortunate because we were really
starting to gather momentum at that time."
O'Neal, who has been in foul trouble for most of the series, isn't sure why
he can't get a call.
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