Jason Kidd is proving that he is ready and able to make a championship run, as he had 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assits for the Nets in a 96-85 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

`We know our backs are against the wall and every game counts for us,'' said Kidd. ``We have to minimize our losses and can't afford a losing streak. We've been playing well over the last month. This gives us a big win to end the first half and gives us something to build on.''

This from a man who many believe would like to join Kevin McHale and Kevin Garnett in Minnesota on a championship run.

Nenad Kristic had a career-high 18 points and Mike Bibby led the Kings with 25 of his own.