EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., April 4 (UPI) -- Jason Kidd scored 10 points to key a run at the end of the third quarter Friday night, leading the New Jersey Nets to a 99-83 victory over the struggling Miami Heat.
Despite leading the Atlantic Division, the Nets have had a penchant for playing to the level of the competition, including two losses against the league-worst Cleveland Cavaliers since the All-Star break.
Facing the team with the Eastern Conference's second-worst record, the Nets were clinging to a 60-57 lead with less than five minutes left in the third quarter when Kidd took over.
The point guard made a three-pointer with 4:12 left, triggering a 16-4 burst to close the period. He hit another shot from beyond the arc and capped the surge with back-to-back baskets, giving the Nets a 76-61 cushion.
Kidd finished with 30 points, eight assists and six rebounds as the Nets moved 1 1/2 games in front of Philadelphia in the Atlantic Division.
