Jason Kidd strains calf, won't return
It was Kidd’s seventh game back after he sat out four games with back spasms. Kidd, 38, has struggled this season, averaging just 4.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds. His overall shooting percentage and 3-point percentage are both below 29 percent.
The Mavs were already playing against the Utah Jazz without two starters. Dirk Nowitzki missed his fourth of a scheduled four-game break to help strengthen his sore right knee, and shooting guard Delonte West is out with a sore right hamstring.
Both players could return for Sunday’s game against the rival San Antonio Spurs.
Dallas did at least get reserve swingman Vince Carter back in the lineup against the Jazz after he missed five consecutive games with a sprained left foot.
Kidd left the game with 9:47 to play in the opening quarter, hobbling off the court to the bench. Head athletic trainer Casey Smith checked him out on the bench before escorting the 18-year veteran to the locker room.
Kidd was scoreless with one rebound when he left.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Tim MacMahon
Tim MacMahon joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. Tim covers the Cowboys and Mavericks. He has covered the local sports scene from high schools to colleges to pros during his six-year tenure at The Dallas Morning News. MacMahon is a graduate of UNT.
Marc Stein
Marc Stein began writing for ESPN.com in 2000 and signed on full-time in 2002 as Senior NBA Writer. He also makes regular appearances on "SportsCenter," "NBA Shootaround," "NBA Fastbreak," "NBA Coast To Coast," ESPNEWS, ESPN "First Take" and ESPN Radio.
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TEAM LEADERS
| POINTS | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Dirk Nowitzki
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| OTHER LEADERS | ||||||||||||
| Rebounds | S. Marion | 7.8 | ||||||||||
| Assists | D. Collison | 5.1 | ||||||||||
| Steals | D. Collison | 1.2 | ||||||||||
| Blocks | E. Brand | 1.3 | ||||||||||
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