• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Kidd earns 99th triple-double as Nets blast Bobcats

Feb 9, 2008 - 3:59 AM By Derek Smith PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) - All-Star Jason Kidd showcased his all-around skills once again as the New Jersey Nets posted a 104-90 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday.

Kidd finished with 19 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds for his third triple-double against the Bobcats this season. He now has 12 triple-doubles this season and 99 for his

"That's why (Kidd's) a Hall of Famer," New Jersey coach Lawrence Frank said. "There's a reason why he's different than the rest of the guys on the court. You can just feel it. That's what the great ones do, they play at a level that few others can reach."

With the win, New Jersey (21-29) snapped a three-game losing streak and moved one-half game in front of the Chicago Bulls (20-29) for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

"We all have to bring it every night for us to win right now," said Nets swingman Vince Carter, who netted 18 points. "We're in a slump and we have to give a little bit more."

Kidd, whose name remains rumored in several possible trades, took over the first quarter - collecting 12 points, nine boards and three assists to help the Nets grab a 24-18 lead.

New Jersey played one of its most complete games of the season, finishing with five players in double figures in scoring.

"We finally put one together and played a whole game as opposed to just a couple of possessions or a couple of spurts," said Nets forward Josh Boone, who had 12 points and 11 rebounds.

With a seven-point lead after three periods, the Nets pulled away for good in the fourth as Richard Jefferson poured in nine of his 23 points in the quarter.

New Jersey outscored Charlotte, 31-24, in the final period and led by as many as 19 in the fourth quarter.

Gerald Wallace scored 21 points in his first game back after missing the past two and Emeka Okafor added 10 and 17 boards for the Bobcats, who dropped their fifth straight.

"I wasn't really happy with our effort in tonight's game," Charlotte coach Sam Vincent said. "Our energy level is what concerned me the most about tonight's game."