Shaq, Kidd lose in debuts with new squads
Shaq was back, this time in a new uniform.
In his first game in nearly a month because of injuries, Shaquille O'Neal rumbled up and down the court in his Phoenix Suns debut and flashed some of the powerful moves that made him one of the most dominant big men in NBA history.
"I'm in better shape than I thought I was," he said after a 15-point, nine-rebound performance Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.
He couldn't deliver a win, though, as Kobe Bryant — despite his dislocated right pinkie — scored 41 points to help the visiting Lakers to an intense 130-124 victory.
"I know I've got a hip injury and knee injuries, but every loose ball I have to dive for I will dive for," said O'Neal, who came to the Suns last week in a trade that sent Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to Miami. "I just want to show them what kind of player they have in Shaquille O'Neal."
Jason Kidd was also eager to play for his new team, but like Shaq, had his debut spoiled.
At New Orleans, Kidd, acquired Tuesday from New Jersey, looked out of sorts at times in Dallas' 104-93 loss to the Hornets. He committed six turnovers and was outplayed by Chris Paul, who had 31 points, 11 assists and a career-high nine steals for New Orleans.
"I caused a couple of breakdowns," said Kidd, who had eight points and five assists. "We can build on this. ... I have some bad habits. I just have to make some adjustments and look at the game. I just need to keep getting the feel of everybody and go to practice tomorrow."
At Phoenix, Lakers newcomer Pau Gasol scored 29 points, including a breakaway dunk that put Los Angeles up 123-117 with 1:15 to play. Lamar Odom added 22 for the Lakers, who won their sixth in a row to move into a tie with Phoenix atop the Pacific Division.
O'Neal scored nine of his points in the final quarter against his old team.
"He did seem to get stronger as the game went on, which is incredible," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "I did really think he'd run out of steam sometime in the second half, and he really didn't."
Amare Stoudemire had 37 points and 15 rebounds for Phoenix, while Steve Nash added 26 points and eight assists.
Kidd showed the effects of having just one full practice and one game-day shootaround with his new team.
"He made some great passes and some of the time guys weren't looking for the ball," Dallas coach Avery Johnson said. "This is kind of like a mini-training camp. We just don't have a lot of time. But at the same time, we need every practice and every game for everybody to get on the same page and everybody to get used to playing with Kidd."
