While Vince Carter's return boosted the New Jersey Nets, it was Jason Kidd's leadership that got them a victory.
Kidd had 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists, and the Nets snapped a six-game losing streak with a 106-101 win over the Trail Blazers Wednesday night in Portland, Ore.
Richard Jefferson scored 30 points for the Nets, who welcomed back Carter after he missed five games with a sprained ankle. Carter finished with 13 points. Brandon Roy had 25 points for the Blazers, who have lost five straight.
Travis Outlaw's dunk with 2:42 left gave the Blazers a 99-98 lead, and they extended it with LaMarcus Aldridge's one-handed dunk.
But Bostjan Nachbar hit a 3-pointer with 1:04 to go, and Kidd followed with a layup and free throw to give New Jersey a 104-101 lead.
Kidd's late layup came after what appeared to be a New Jersey timeout. Portland players relaxed and some went toward the bench.
"Jason was exerting just incredible energy. He ran the fake timeout play to perfection . . . He was going to call a timeout, saw those guys stop, and went in and got the 3-point play," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said.
Chris Kaman had 21 boards along with 17 points, and the host Los Angeles Clippers got significant contributions off the bench from Cuttino Mobley (14 points) and defensive specialist Quinton Ross (17 points) as they beat the Denver Nuggets, 101-90.
