Kidd passes Magic on career assists list

Jason Kidd had 19 points, a season-high 20 assists and a major career milestone -- all in three quarters -- sending Dallas to a 140-116 victory over Phoenix on Sunday, virtually assuring the Mavericks of no worse than the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Dallas leads Phoenix by four games with five to play. The Mavericks, who won the season series, hold the tiebreaker over the Suns. Any Dallas win or Phoenix loss clinches a ninth straight postseason trip for the Mavericks and ends a streak of four straight playoff trips for the Suns.

Kidd’s 14th assist gave him 10,142 for his career, passing Magic Johnson for No. 3 on the NBA’s list. Among those who gave him a standing ovation was broadcaster Mark Jackson, who is second with 10,334.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points for Dallas.