NEW YORK _ The last time the Nets visited the Suns in Phoenix, it ended in a bloodbath _ a 138-112 loss that included Caris LeVert's thumb injury. It was the lowest point of the Nets' season and kicked off a three-game losing streak to Western Conference playoff opponents.
Revenge is a dish best served at home.
With Kyrie Irving out injured (right knee sprain), LeVert stepped up and turned in his best game of the season: He tied his career-high with 29 points on 10-of-20 shooting to go with seven assists in Brooklyn's 119-97 win over the Suns on Monday.
LeVert had struggled since returning from the injury that required surgery and a 24-game layoff after damaging ligaments in his right thumb. He averaged 11.5 points on just 35% shooting from the field and 31% shooting from three for the entire month of January. It was not the production the Nets envisioned when they signed their young star to a three-year, $52.5 million contract over the summer.
Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson admitted pregame LeVert would have to play extended minutes with Irving out again due to injury.
"We have to push that; I have to push it personally," Atkinson said. "We all know how good a player Caris is, so yes he'll be playing more minutes, he'll be playing backup point guard minutes.
"To me, it's just a matter of time until he gets his rhythm back. I know he's trying. But this could help kick-start him a little if he definitely could get more minutes."
The matchup absolutely kick-started LeVert, who broke free from his slump, one exciting play after another.
He swerved through the lane with primary playmaker responsibilities often, either finding his way to the rim or swinging the ball to an open shooter. On one possession, LeVert somehow sent Suns wing Mikal Bridges to the ground without moving, before cashing out on a three from downtown.
"God is good. I put in a lot of work behind closed doors," LeVert said immediately after the game. "I've been struggling a little bit, so it was good to have one of these games."
It wasn't a one-man show, either. Joe Harris and Taurean Prince each lit it up from three, scoring 16 and 15 points, respectively. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, on the final day of his second 10-day contract, turned in 13 points off the bench on 3-of-4 shooting from three. Spencer Dinwiddie also turned in 14 points of his own, and the Nets defense held the Suns to below 100 points.
LeVert's performance was timely. The Nets had split their last four games and are a half-game ahead of Orlando for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Finishing with the eighth seed would likely mean facing Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs.
Every game counts from this point on, and the Nets can't afford to lose against teams outside the playoff picture. LeVert's performance shows Brooklyn has enough firepower to stay afloat when Irving is out.
The challenge now is getting it all to work when everyone is healthy.
