Jason Kidd walked off the stage of the interview room after Game 5 of the Celts/Nets series at Continental Airlines Arena and disappeared behind a black curtain only to be surrounded by still more cameras, pads and pencils. A Nets PR guy ordered reporters to keep it short because Jason's three-year-old son T.J. had a 10 o'clock playground tee time.

On the other side of the curtain, Jason's wife Joumana was surrounded by a group of reporters herself. A cameraman flicked on a light and her brown eyes sparkled like jewels. As she fielded questions like a pro, she still clutched one of the little orange balls the cheerleaders toss into the crowd during timeouts. T.J.'s got a pretty sweet deal where one of the girls hands him a new ball every game. About 15 feet away from his parents, just outside the Nets lockerroom, he dribbled his mini red and blue Nets basketball. He had the attention of about by five or six maroon-jacketed arena security guards as he slowly dribbled the ball between his legs from left to right. He may have traveled, but he's still young. "Yea!" Joumana cheered as she walked over and scooped up the miniature point guard.

In just six short months the Kidds have become the first family of the NBA, turning Nets home games into family affairs.

The only two people who draw more attention on Nets game night than Jason are Joumana and T.J. Almost from the time they arrive at the arena to the time they leave they are constantly surrounded by well-wishers, reporters and Nets officials.

After the game, while Jason was doing postgame NBC interviews, Joumana was across the floor being courted by fans who wanted autographs and to take pictures with her. "We love Jason," a fan shouted. "And you, too," chimed in another. (Very different than the reception they got in Boston.)

Mom and son literally can't walk more than five feet without somebody new to greet them. Not to mention the pace they walk at is a crawl because T.J. is constantly patting the basketball trying to work on his dribble.

Back behind the curtain Jason finished yet another interview when Joumana and T.J. pushed through. For the first time that evening they were alone. No microphones. No congratulations. No outstretched hands. Kidd kissed his wife, held her hand and headed for the parking garage.

T.J. trailed behind bouncing his basketball. Just another night out with the Kidds.

Chris Palmer covers The NBA Life for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail him at christopher.palmer@espnmag.com.