New Jersey Nets Coach Byron Scott used to play with a pretty good point guard during his playing days with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The team's style of play was called Showtime back then, and Magic Johnson directed the Lakers with his pinpoint passing, ball-handling and, if needed, scoring. Magic was a master at getting all his teammates involved in the offense and, the bigger the game, the better Magic played.

Point guard Jason Kidd showed those same traits Thursday night in powering the Nets to a 97-85 victory over the Pistons at the Continental Airlines Arena and a commanding three-games-to-none lead in the Eastern Conference finals.  

Kidd had a career playoff high 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists for the Nets, who won their ninth consecutive playoff game. Kidd set the tone early with 17 points, four assists and four rebounds in the first hall to lead the Nets to a 57-46 lead.

Scott sees the similarities between Magic and Kidd.

"They're almost mirror images of each other, except that Earvin is five inches taller," Scott said. "Both of them are unbelievable leaders. Both of them are unbelievable competitors.