"From a statistical standpoint, this is the worst season of Jason Kidd's 17-year NBA career.

Yet he couldn't have been more valuable to the Dallas Mavericks this season.

Even at age 38, Kidd is the calming influence for the Mavericks. He can still dissect a defense and make critical baskets.

"On our team he's a superstar," coach Rick Carlisle said. "That's how important he is to us."

Kidd showed his value Saturday night when he recorded 13 points, six rebounds, eight assists and four steals during the Mavericks' 93-87 triumph over Oklahoma City.

His all-around game enabled the Mavericks to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference Finals.

Game 4 is at 8 tonight at Oklahoma City Arena, and Game 5 will be 8 p.m. Wednesday in Dallas.

Kidd is vying to become the oldest star point guard to win an NBA title. At his age and with a lockout looming, he feels this might be his last chance.

"I hope it is different this year," Kidd said. "We'd love to have that opportunity.

"But there's a lot of basketball still to be played in this series, so we don't want to be thinking a little bit too far ahead. We just want to concentrate on Game 4."

Kidd averaged a career-low 7.9 points per game this season. And his average of 8.2 assists is his lowest since he averaged 7.7 as a rookie with the Mavericks during the 1994-95 season.

In 2002 and 2003, Kidd led the New Jersey Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals, but they lost both times."