Image via Complex Original
After two games against the Portland Trailblazers, the Dallas Mavericks have established a 2-0 lead with the series headed to Portland. While much of the focus and attention will be on Dirk Nowitzki and his performance throughout the Mavs' run towards the NBA Finals, Jason Kidd has always been the crafty veteran who continues to fly under the radar of most opponents. During Game 1 of the series, that mindset proved to be a huge mistake as Kidd racked up 24 points, 5 boards and 4 assists to help secure the W for Dallas. With Game 3 tonight at 10:30 ET, here are some highlights from J-Kidd's college days to his pro years. With everybody talking about points like Rose, Rondo, Parker and Paul, don't forget about the Kidd!
The Bowling Pass
DATE: 2/22/2002
COMPLEX SAYS: After making highlight reel assists for years in the NBA, regular chest and bounce passes are just out of the question for Kidd. A crazy alley-oop from the other side of the court? Done that. How about a half-court bounce pass? Done that too. Now, a bowling ball pass hasn't been done before. Add that to the repertoire.
Fadeaway Pass
DATE: 12/21/2005
COMPLEX SAYS: Ah, the good old days. When Kidd was playing for New Jersey. Vince Carter's ups were second to none. And the Nets were relevant.
Off the Backboard Alley-Oop
DATE: 4/12/2010
COMPLEX SAYS: When J-Kidd has a two-on-one fast break, it's best to just scamper away. Especially if you're the kid mopping the floor. Get out the way, lil homie!
The No Look at Its Finest
DATE: 1/9/2007
COMPLEX SAYS: Some of the plays that Kidd pulls off are so amazing that people start seeing things that aren't even there. C'mon Marv, we know that dude's a wizard with the rock, but the only between the legs play that probably happened at that time was with you off the mic.
Sleight of Hand
DATE: 12/18/2007
COMPLEX SAYS: During a majority of his time in a Nets jersey, "that's not fair" wasn't just used by announcers to describe Kidd's skills at the point. It also described the unmatched trio of Carter, Jefferson, and Kidd during the years they played together. Seriously, why the hell did they break up this team?!
The Inbound Lob to Marion
DATE: 10/22/2010
COMPLEX SAYS: Usually, players could care less about a preseason win or loss. Just don't tell that to Kidd who, with the help of Shawn Marion, executed a brilliant game-winning alley-oop play with only .04 seconds left. Hey, you never know when that play will be necessary.
Playing Taps at MSG
DATE: 3/28/2003
COMPLEX SAYS: C'mon people, you remember playing taps as a kid. Well, J-Kidd brought his taps experience to the Garden crowd. Sidenote: We see you. Getting those dimes any way possible.
The No-Look Layup
DATE: 1/5/2007
COMPLEX SAYS: After checking out all those amazing dishes, why don't we take a look at his ability as a scorer. Now before you start saying, "FOH!" This shot is definitely possible...only as a glitch in a video game.
Back in Cali
DATE: 2/10/1994
COMPLEX SAYS: Before there was Kidd to V.C., there was the Kidd to LaMond Murray tandem taking the Pac-10 by storm. Even in his college days, J-Kidd was always making his teammates look good with dishes like this. Meanwhile, dude on the receiving end of that jam didn't look good at all. Remain nameless!
The Nasty Alley to Vinsanity
DATE: 12/29/2007
COMPLEX SAYS: There's no better way to end a list of signature plays than putting another absurd J-Kidd to Carter connection. Possibly the best of them all. So just watch, reminisce, and enjoy!
