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Thanks in part to Kidd, the Knicks also have the second-most-efficient offense in the NBA, based on points per 100 possessions. "He just continuously evolves and understands what it takes for him to help his team," Pistons coach Lawrence Frank, Kidd's former coach with the Nets, said earlier this month. "Look, it's not a coincidence that their culture is starting to change with guys like Jason Kidd on their team." When you ask Kidd to sum up his impact on the Knicks, he keeps it simple. ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd 

In each of the Knicks' past three games, Kidd has either dived on the floor or into the Knicks' bench to save a loose ball, a source of inspiration among teammates. And he has continued to produce, even when his shot fails. He had eight rebounds, five assists and three steals in New York's win over the Nets on Wednesday, in which he shot just 2-for-9. He shot just 3-for-14 against the Cavs on Dec. 15, but added six rebounds, eight assists and two blocks as the Knicks held off a late rally. Typical Kidd. Impacting the game in ways that you don't see in the box score the next morning. "It's been beautiful to watch," Woodson says. "I'm just happy that he's a part of our franchise." ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd 

Jason Kidd said Amar’e Stoudemire “has the ability to get us over the hump." Kidd is proven and he knows how to make his teammates better. Raymond Felton also said he will make it work when Amar'e Stoudemire returns in the near future. Sulia

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Jason Kidd, Raymond Felton 

By the end of the opening period, Smith only had two points, but he had three assists. Felton and Jason Kidd had none. Then, in the second half, Smith had four more dishes, including his biggest one of the night -- finding Anthony for a 3 with 1:53 to play in the game, which inched the Knicks the closest they had been since the first quarter, 86-85. "J.R. has an all-around game," Felton said. "That's what a lot of people don't realize. They think he can just put the ball in the basket. J.R. can really penetrate, make good passes and create for everybody else. That's only going to make us better." ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd, Raymond Felton, JR Smith 

"I think it's just unselfishness, understanding that he's drawing two guys and he can find the open guy," Kidd said. "He trusts his teammates will knock down the shot. ... I think it makes the game so easy for everybody." ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd, JR Smith 

But Kidd, who clashed with Johnson during their short tenure together in Dallas, said Williams’ struggles this season aren’t about play- calling. “I don’t think it has anything to do with the coach,” Kidd said Thursday. “I think it’s just a matter of getting comfortable making shots. Also, he has new teammates. He’s got to get used to a new crew. It’s always a growing period. “He’s a grownup. He’ll figure it out. All things don’t go well right away sometimes. He’s just going through a struggle shooting the ball, but he’s one of the best at what he does, so he’ll work through it.” New York Daily News

Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Avery Johnson, Coaching, Jason Kidd, Deron Williams 

Felton, who shot 7 of 18, and Jason Kidd (five points) didn’t show up. They combined to shoot 1 of 9 from the 3-point stripe. Each committed three turnovers and didn’t play their normal hard-nosed defense. “We really didn’t guard anyone off the dribble,’’ said Steve Novak, who hugged his friend Lin after the final buzzer. “I know Jeremy wasn’t sure how it would go. He seemed very comfortable.’’ New York Post

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd, Steve Novak 

Stefan Bondy: Kidd's interest in Brooklyn was genuine, or so said a friend of his before free agency started. I know he and Avery didn't mesh in Dallas Twitter @NYDNInterNets

Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Free Agency, Jason Kidd 

Jared Zwerling: Kidd: "Melo was a video game tonight. I don’t play them, but I guess you push the X button and it goes in every time." #Knicks Twitter @JaredZwerling

New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd 

Sources say Nash was arranging a trip to New York to sign with the Knicks until a late phone call from Kobe Bryant. Kidd always has been a better defender than Nash and more adaptable in playing off the ball, guarding the “2” position. And Kidd is also unexpectedly lighting up from the 3-point line like never before in his career. He is shooting 52 percent from 3-point land after once being called “Ason Kidd” for not having a “J.” New York Post

Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd 

Asked if he has had to swallow his pride by not playing much point guard, Kidd said, “It’s just basketball. The game has changed. Look at Miami. They don’t really have a center. The game has changed, having smaller guys out there.” Kidd’s influence on Carmelo Anthony has been gigantic. “I’ve always tried to make the game easy for my teammates,” Kidd said. “With Melo, I’m working with him every day that he doesn’t have to fight to get the ball. Just relax. It reminds me of Dirk [Nowitzki]. You don’t have to fight to get the ball. I’ll get you the ball.’’ New York Post

Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd 

Jason Kidd confirmed he believes Amar’e Stoudemire will make his season debut in late December and said he thinks Stoudemire’s addition will be smooth. “I think Amare’s close,” Kidd said on “The Michael Kay Show” on 98.7 FM. “I think he is very close, around the corner in getting involved in playing. Maybe at the end of this month. New York Post

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Jason Kidd, Injuries 

Some unexpected teams have gotten off to good first-quarter starts. We check in with NBA scouts to see which ones have staying power. New York Knicks. East scout: “I don’t think they’re the best team in the East, that’s Miami. And by the end of the year, you know Boston is going to get back into the picture in that division. But bringing in Jason Kidd has been an underrated move. He gives them a lot of stability, he can play multiple positions and he is a champion. Having him and (Tyson) Chandler there is big.” Oregonian

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd 

Immediately after the game, though, Anthony wanted to find Kidd, who had scored half as many points but who Anthony knew had had just as big an effect on the game. Anthony went over to Kidd to hug him and say “thank you.” That signified just how much Anthony, the Knicks’ best player, values having Kidd as a teammate. “I think it’s huge,” Kidd said of what it meant to receive the hug. “I think he trusts me coming down the stretch.” New York Times

New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd 

Anthony put his faith in Kidd when the Knicks trailed the Nuggets early in the fourth quarter. During a timeout, Coach Mike Woodson wanted Anthony to be the focal point of the team’s offense. Anthony had a different idea. “He told me, ‘Let’s play through you,’ ” Kidd said. “Coach wanted to play through Carmelo, but Carmelo was like, ‘No, I want to play through Jason.’ I think that’s the greatest compliment a teammate can get.” New York Times

New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd 

On Sunday evening, with the Knicks back home to face the Denver Nuggets after a three-game road trip, Kidd once again found his dome under siege, and once again took extreme (and extremely questionable) measures to protect his ample melon. Charles Curtis sets the scene at NJ.com: [During the second quarter,] Kidd pump-faked near the Knicks' bench against Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson, then drew a shooting foul by leaning in. He was hit in the head in the process. [...] "It is part of the game," he said. "I have to be a little more cautious of the pump fake because everyone is flying at it. I have to protect myself." Yahoo! Sports

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd 

Jason Kidd has been out of the lineup with back spasms since Nov. 25, but Mike Woodson says he has made progress. “Well, he’s back out on the floor shooting a little bit, but when his return is expected, I don’t know at this point still,” said Woodson. Kidd will be brought back slowly when he returns. RealGM

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd, Injuries 

Jason Kidd returned to practice with the Knicks on Friday and said he’s hoping to play next week when the team hits the road. Kidd (back spasms) will miss his third straight game tonight against 1-12 Washington and seems out for Sunday’s game against Phoenix. Newsday

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd, Injuries 

Alan Hahn: #Knicks just announced Jason Kidd is out for game at MIL with back spasms. He's day-to-day, did not make the trip. Brewer is in. #fb Twitter @alanhahn

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd, Injuries 

Steve Popper: Jason Kidd is not playing. Why? Can't tell you. #Knicks Twitter @StevePopper

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd