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Kidd, Nets to face Johnson, Hawks

Nov 6, 2007 - 2:03 PM Atlanta (1-1) at New Jersey (2-1) 7:30 pm EST

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Jason Kidd is doing the same thing this season that has made him famous throughout his career: ringing up triple-doubles.

Kidd will go for his 51st triple-double with the Nets when they host Joe Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.

With a line of 16 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, Kidd picked up the 50th triple-double of his stint with New Jersey on Sunday and the 88th on his career. The All-Star point guard is in his seventh season with the Nets after spending his first three with Dallas and the next five with Phoenix.

Richard Jefferson has been the beneficiary of Kidd's playmaking skills so far, leading New Jersey in scoring at 26.0 points per game.

The Hawks have raised some eyebrows with their play as well, beating last season's NBA leader in wins, the Dallas Mavericks, 101-94 on Friday before dropping a 92-91 decision to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

Perennial Eastern Conference afterthoughts, Atlanta is riding the longest playoff drought in the NBA, having last reached the postseason in 1998-99.

Johnson has led the way this season, averaging 25.5 points in the first two contests.

The Nets won two of the three meetings between the teams last season.