Kidd’s 21 points lift Mavericks

DALLAS -- Jason Kidd now understands that the Dallas Mavericks want him to look for his shot.

A game after being on the bench in the final 34 seconds of a 97-94 loss to San Antonio in part because he was reluctant to shoot, Kidd scored a season-high 21 points Friday night and was an assist shy of a triple-double, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 115-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

Kidd made nine of 18 shots and grabbed 11 rebounds. Even without the assist needed for his 100th triple-double, Kidd’s all-around performance was dazzling, including during a 10-2 spurt after the Mavericks led, 103-102, in the closing minutes.

Kidd’s willingness to shoot was still an issue in the first half, as he took only four shots. But he took nine shots in the third quarter and five in the fourth.

Dirk Nowitzki flourished off feeds from Kidd, scoring 34 points. His baskets included a 35-footer at the end of the third quarter after Kidd dived into the front row to save the ball.

Jerry Stackhouse tied his season high with 23 points -- the second time since Kidd arrived he has done so.