WAS 114, NJN 120 OT - On April 7, 2007, the New Jersey Nets edged out the Washington Wizards 120–114 in an exhilarating overtime clash. Vince Carter delivered a monumental performance, pouring in 46 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. His all-around game was equally impressive, as he grabbed 16 rebounds, dished out 10 assists, and contributed defensively with 1 steal and 3 blocks. Carter's scoring prowess and playmaking were pivotal in the Nets securing the victory.
Jason Kidd also made a significant impact, showcasing his versatility with another one of his triple-doubles. Kidd recorded 10 points, 16 rebounds, and 18 assists, orchestrating the Nets' offense while anchoring their defense with 4 steals. His playmaking and rebounding were instrumental in the overtime period, helping the Nets clinch the win. The duo of Carter and Kidd proved too much for the Wizards, as their combined efforts led New Jersey to a thrilling victory in a game marked by high-intensity and standout individual performances.
Players of the game:
Vince Carter: 46 PTS, 16-28 FGM, 57 FG%, 7-13 3PM, 54 3P%, 7-9 FTM, 16 REB, 10 AST, 1 STL, 3 BLK
Jason Kidd: 10 PTS, 4-12 FGM, 33 FG%, 16 REB, 18 AST, 4 STL
In appreciation of JASON KIDD, the “SUPER-ATHLETE” MYTHBUSTER and 2nd all-time leader in assists, it’s remarkable to note his career achievements.
Kidd faced off against iconic teams and players throughout his career, including the three-peat Bulls led by Michael Jordan in the mid-90s, the Shaq and Kobe Lakers of the 2000s, the mid-2000s Pistons, Tim Duncan's Spurs dynasty, Steve Nash's Seven-Seconds or Less Suns, the Celtics' Big Three of Garnett, Pierce, and Allen, the two-time champion Lakers of Kobe and Gasol, the Miami Heat's super team featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, and the Warriors’ Splash Brothers of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson during the 2010s era, who happened to be coached by Mark Jackson—another of Kidd’s 90s rivals.
Steph Curry was 6 years old when Jason Kidd played against his dad, Dell Curry.
From 1994 to 2013, Kidd consistently adapted to evolving rules, officiating standards, play styles, levels of physicality, game pace, offensive and defensive schemes, traditional and position-less lineups, the rise of European stars, and the "evolving" skills of players across all age groups.
As he aged, he continued to improve and expand his game. In his 30s, with the physical wear and tear from the 90s and early 2000s, he focused on conserving energy. Despite this, Kidd played 80-game seasons without LOAD MANAGEMENT, his efficiency and per 36 minutes stats show why he thrived in the mid-to-late 2000s, defying prevailing narratives.
Kidd, alongside Kobe Bryant, provided crucial leadership on the Redeem Team, leading them to a GOLD medal after two disappointing BRONZE finishes, with the roster featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony—FOUR of the top FIVE PER leaders of that era.
Despite being labeled as part of the “90s PLUMBERS and FIREMEN” who supposedly couldn't compete with modern “super-athletes,” he was named an All-Star in 2010 at age 36 while dropping 9 dimes, shooting 42% from threes, while playing 36 minutes per game, and won a championship in 2011 at age 37. His defensive prowess against the 6-foot-9, 250-pound LeBron James demonstrated his exceptional ability.
Kidd’s shooting improved dramatically from a mediocre 39% eFG percentage during the 90s to a peak of 55% during the 2010s, defying the narrative that players from the earlier eras couldn’t compete with the "greatest generation" of "super" athletes.
Skills are acquired through learning and training, not inherent in your DNA. Athleticism, on the other hand, arises from a blend of genetics, training, nutrition, mental factors, skill development, and lifestyle choices.
But, Kidd must be an outlier? We also have players like Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups, Bruce Bowen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. Keep in mind that the original Spurs core—Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker, with an average age of 35.6—achieved a gentleman's sweep of the Heat's super team in 2014. Duncan even faced a 35-year-old Michael Jordan.
Chauncey Billups, the 3rd overall pick in the 1997 draft, was labeled a BUST! However, with Larry Brown’s positive influence and coaching, he helped the Pistons win a championship and played a key role in developing Carmelo Anthony into a better player.
Athletes in EVERY SPORT adjust and adapt according to the era in which they play. Another interesting case study is FERNANDO ALONSO of Formula 1.
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