CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- New Jersey's Jason Kidd needed stitches above his right eye after he and Charlotte's David Wesley were in a head-to-head collision late in the first half Thursday night.

Kidd was dribbling the ball up court in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals when Charlotte guard Baron Davis reached in and poked the ball away.

Kidd scrambled for the ball as Wesley stepped in front of him and the two smacked heads. Both fell to the floor grabbing their heads. The Hornets had to call a timeout to stop play and trainers rushed onto the court to help them.

Kidd, blood streaming down his face, was helped off the court and walked to the locker room with a towel covering his face. A Nets spokesman said Kidd received stitches above his right eye. He returned to the game with 9 minutes left in the third quarter.

Wesley was on the floor for several minutes before being helped to his feet and then needed assistance walking off. He started the second half.

The Nets lead the best-of-seven series 2-0.