The Brooklyn Nets ended their four-game road trip with a 120-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.
Even worse, they lost rising star Caris LeVert to a brutal leg injury late in the second quarter that led to the second-year guard being taken to the hospital.
While defending against Minnesota’s Josh Okogie in transition, LeVert leaped to protect the rim and came down awkwardly on his right leg. It was immediately clear something had gone terribly wrong and play was stopped so LeVert could be stretchered from the floor.
Warning: Graphic video content
Our thoughts and prayers are with Caris LeVert. We wish you a speedy recovery.
via: @clippittv pic.twitter.com/U2oJj2kxze
— Basketball Society (@BBallSociety_) November 13, 2018
Caris LeVert injures his knee and would be taken off the court by a stretcher. Awful news for the #Nets. Looks like it could be season ending. Injury came with 3.7 seconds left in the first half. #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/LC7AIUdoKb
— Mike Cianciolo (@MikeCianciolo) November 13, 2018
LeVert had 10 points, five assists, and four rebounds when he exited the game and entered Monday’s contest averaging 19 points, 3.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game.
His loss is a huge blow for a team that is young and gritty, but lacks true star power.
“He is the heart and soul of our program,” Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said. “It’s a tough, tough blow for the Nets. He’s obviously made a huge jump. I just know that if anybody is coming back from this – the human, the character, the person, the player – he’ll come back from this. But a tough, tough blow for the Nets. Our only thoughts are with him. Nothing else matters. The game doesn’t matter tonight.”
LeVert’s teammates, and other NBA players including Chris Paul and LeBron James, shared similar sentiments on social media.
Prayers out to @CarisLeVert!!! Been watchin him play this season and I’ve loved every bit of it! Hate to see him get injured 🙏🏾
— Chris Paul (@CP3) November 13, 2018
Prayers up for my bro @CarisLeVert ! God has a plan for him! This is just a minor set back to major comeback!
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) November 13, 2018
Young Fella prayers to you! Speedy recovery and even stronger impact coming soon for sure! 🙏🏾 @CarisLeVert
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 13, 2018
I HATE injuries! Prayers up for Caris LeVert!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 13, 2018
Prayers for Caris LeVert. Hate to see this. Having a hell of a season. Keep strong 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) November 13, 2018
“It breaks your heart…Caris has been the heart of our team.”
Joe’s full remarks: pic.twitter.com/mhCXduSqhD
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 13, 2018
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