Is Jason Kidd finally getting respect ... from pundits?

It seems, at least for now, that Jason Kidd can coach.  Not so long after Howard Beck quoted an NBA scout claiming Kidd "doesn't do anything" and even less time since Adrian Wojnarowski suggested Kidd could be fired by Russian ownership, there's a bit of a turnaround in opinion on Kidd's coaching, marked no doubt by the team's turnaround.

But it's more than just the wins, suggests Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today. it's the strategy.

It starts with defense. In the past four victories, the Nets have held opponents to below their scoring averages.

The Nets' run, which moved them into eighth place in the Eastern Conference, coincides with a switch to a smaller lineup, with Livingston making it a three-guard, two-forward starting five.

A four-game stretch is a small sample size, particularly with the Heat in town and Deron Williams on the sidelines, but there are some encouraging signs. Beyond what Zillgitt reports about opponents held below their scoring averages, none of the four opponents have hit 100 points and each of them had 18 or more turnovers in their losses to Brooklyn. On offense, they're 10 points better per 100 possessions than their overall season numbers.

As the headline says, "Jason Kidd finally figures out how to win with Nets." No question mark.

• Jason Kidd finally figures out how to win with Nets -  Jeff Zillgitt - USA Today