DALLAS _ Jason Kidd won’t play in tonight’s game against Milwaukee, but is expected to play in Saturday’s game against Sacramento.
The Dallas Mavericks’ starting point guard suffered a lower back injury last week against San Antonio. Tonight will be the fourth straight game Kidd has missed.
With Delonte West starting at point guard, the Mavs are 3-0 since Kidd went down. West has surprisingly stepped up and given the Mavs more than they thought he would at this juncture of the season.
“He’s a competitor,’’ coach Rick Carlisle said of West. “We knew before we got him because that’s what everybody said.
“The guy really competes, and so I think if you look at the fact that we’ve improved defensively in the last six-to-seven games, his setting the tone has really been a big factor in that.’’
West is averaging 10 points, 5.7 assists and 3.3 steals over the past three games. His improvement has allowed the Mavs to not rush Kidd back onto the court.
“When you lose Jason Kidd you know right then and there that it’s going to be a collective effort, and I think Delonte has done a great job of coming out and setting the tone defensively,’’ Terry said. “He’s leading by example and he’s running the team well offensively.
“He’s making some great decisions, he’s getting in the lanes and being aggressive to look for his shot when he doesn’t have it. But the impact he’s making the most is on the defensive end.’’
-- Dwain Price
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