This was shaping up as one of those signature, big-pressure moments for 39-year-old Jason Kidd, something out of November and December. He lit up the Heat in the first half, draining his first four 3-point shots.
The ice-cold Kidd, demoted to the bench Friday, was thriving in his new backup role. But nothing Kidd did could help the Knicks get by the Heat yesterday, though he was one of the major bright spots in the 99-93 loss.
Kidd, who was shooting 52 percent from the 3-point line in mid-December before his fall, made 5 of 7 shots for 14 points to go with six assists, eight rebounds and three steals in 34 minutes, 27 seconds.
His only miss from 3-point land was a desperation, off-balance heave in the final second of the first half.
“Again, I didn’t come in this league as a shooter,’’ Kidd said. “It’s just for me to continue to hit those shots that present themselves, and this afternoon they went in.’’
Kidd was lively again defensively, making one huge interception with 6:25 left, and feeding J.R. Smith for a 3-pointer. The Knicks went up 87-85, but it was the last time they’d have a lead.
“I think we’re disappointed, we had an opportunity to win the ball game against the champs,’’ Kidd said. “It’s something we can look at and get better at, especially late in the game.’’
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With Kidd coming off the pine for the second straight game, James White was inserted as the starter to face-guard LeBron James, but committed three fouls in the first four minutes. At least White kept Carmelo Anthony out of foul trouble, but his offensive display was too poor to keep him in too long. In 7:47, he committed two turnovers and shot an airball on his only shot.
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Kenyon Martin may not be in the rotation, but Knicks coach Mike Woodson said the team will extend his 10-day contract when it comes up Tuesday. That seemed to be a given, though Martin didn’t get into the last two games after making his debut vs. the Warriors.
“We’ll keep him around for another 10 days,’’ Woodson said. “I like Kenyon. He’s not going anywhere. It’s a matter of him getting comfortable and acclimated.’’… Marcus Camby, recovering from strained plantar fasciitis, suited up yesterday for the first time since Jan. 10, but didn’t get in the game. Camby said afterward he was ready to play. The Knicks actually could have used an offensive punch — but scorer Chris Copeland was deactivated for first time this season.
Point guard Pablo Prigioni was a DNP for the second straight game. … Steve Novak’s troubles vs. Miami continued — 0 for 3 on 3-pointers in 12:08. … Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving, who was missed the last three games with a hyperextended left knee, is expected to play tonight against the Knicks.
marc.berman@nypost.com