Jason Kidd

For Clyde Drexler, 12 successful seasons at the NBA level allowed him opportunities to experience the NBA Finals, a healthy role among Team USA’s famed “Dream Team,” and on-court encounters against some of history’s greatest talents. On April 11, 1995, the Future Hall of Famer discovered one rare occurrence that he hadn’t yet seen across his dozen years: a comeback quite like the one Jason Kidd conducted. Giving resiliency and competitiveness a new definition, the Kidd-led Dallas Mavericks survived an 11-point overtime deficit with just 1:10 left, setting their path for a come-from-behind win of historic proportions. Positioned into a free safety-type role within Dallas’ full court trap, Kidd put his generational instincts on display, pillaging passing lanes and overwhelming the Houston Rockets through both his athleticism and an unusually-hot 3-point shooting night. Putting forth the type of long-range excellence that would come to define his second Mavericks tenure over a decade later, Kidd exploded for 38 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and eight 3-pointers. Unstoppable in a win over the eventual 1995 NBA champions, Kidd’s greatness — highlighted by three triple-doubles over a six-day span — strengthened his case towards becoming the 1994-95 co-Rookie of the Year winner.

Rookie of the Year

Rookie Year