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Kidd, Mavericks travel to face lowly Timberwolves

Feb 24, 2008 - 6:13 PM Dallas (36-19) at Minnesota (11-42) 6:30 pm EST

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Jason Kidd will look to build on his stellar performance when the Dallas Mavericks visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.

After struggling in a loss at New Orleans on Wednesday in which he managed just five assists against six turnovers, Kidd bounced back with a 15-assist, two-turnover night Friday to lead Dallas to a 98-83 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

"I was a little more comfortable (Friday) just to play basketball," said Kidd, who was acquired Tuesday in an eight-team blockbuster trade with the New Jersey Nets. "Leading up to that first game, it had been a bit of a circus. Now, I can concentrate on the game of basketball."

Kidd's pinpoint passing opened the floor up for fellow All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, who finished with 27 points on 8-of-9 shooting. Nowitzki is averaging 32.8 points per game over the past four games and had some kind words for his new teammate following Friday's contest.

"He's a great passer," Nowitzki said of Kidd. "That's really what he brings to this team. He pushes the ball. He's always ready for the ball. When he's in the air and he looks like he's got no where to go, he throws a crosscourt pass to wide-open shooters. That's why he's one of the best passers this league has ever seen."

The Mavericks should have no problem finding their offense against the Timberwolves, who allow 100.8 points per game.

Minnesota has lost six of its last seven games and is coming off a heartbreaking 100-99 loss to the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs. Manu Ginobili scored 44 points and hit a jumper with 6.2 seconds left to lift the Spurs.

Al Jefferson scored 28 points in the setback and leads the club with 21.3 points and 12 rebounds per game.

Dallas has won both meetings between the teams this season, including a 101-78 rout here on January 6.