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Since making his return on February 8, Caris LeVert had (by far) his best showing in the Nets’ 131-121 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks Monday night.
The third-year pro netted 24 points on 8-of-15 shooting, also hitting 4-of-8 from three and 4-of-6 on free throws. The point tally is LeVert’s fifth highest total of the entire season and the most he’s had in a single game since November 6 in Phoenix, a week before he dislocated his right foot.
Moreover, in 30 minutes off the bench, LeVert also dished out six assists and grabbed four rebounds.
“I thought, the confidence level, number-one, and the physical level – I thought that was the Caris from the beginning of the year,” Kenny Atkinson remarked after Monday’s game. “How athletic he looked, how fast he looked, and I loved how, just his confidence, you can see that. We stuck with him and that bodes well for him in the future.”
LeVert essentially agreed, and even offered that he’s felt like his old self for the past two weeks.
Asked Caris LeVert about Kenny Atkinson saying he played like his early season self today.
— Bryan Fonseca (@BryanFonsecaNY) April 2, 2019
Caris says he has felt that way for about two weeks and explains why.#Nets #NBA @NetsDaily @CarisLeVert pic.twitter.com/ku794oW79n
Throughout the game, LeVert showcased a well-balanced attack on offense —driving and finishing at the rim or hitting shots from deep while also creating plays for others down the stretch.
Given that the playoffs are basically here, the Nets will need every ounce of the best LeVert can provide. Monday is not to be expected every night, but it’s good for Brooklyn to know that it’s there again.
A closer look at how he performed...
LeVert also made 4-8 from three.
— Bryan Fonseca (@BryanFonsecaNY) April 2, 2019
The 4 made three's match a season-high, which he's done on October 28 against golden State and November 2 against Houston.#Nets @NetsDaily pic.twitter.com/cBGDfnFvP9
Caris LeVert getting back to finishing from handoffs like he had been earlier in the season, too. #Nets will need this aggression in the playo ... well, now actually. @NetsDaily pic.twitter.com/ZWnuIIG5UH
— Bryan Fonseca (@BryanFonsecaNY) April 2, 2019
LeVert is now shooting 8-18 from three in his last four appearances, including tonight's 4-8 showing.
— Bryan Fonseca (@BryanFonsecaNY) April 2, 2019
In those four games, he is averaging 18.3 points per game.#Nets @NetsDaily pic.twitter.com/WGulQ5Lzq9
.@CarisLeVert ➡️➡️➡️ @DeMarreCarroll1
— Bryan Fonseca (@BryanFonsecaNY) April 2, 2019
Followed by @CarisLeVert ➡️➡️➡️ @_bigjayy_
LeVert is averaging over 4 assists per game since his return. Kenny Atkinson has always said he could play some point guard. #Nets @NetsDaily pic.twitter.com/zIFb16ZoB7
And on back-to-back scoring plays, LeVert finds a trailing Joe Harris in the spot where he has been statistically more effective than anyone in the NBA this season, then scoring despite excellent defense from Sterling Brown.#Nets @NetsDaily pic.twitter.com/W24I2mAknW
— Bryan Fonseca (@BryanFonsecaNY) April 2, 2019
And here are the striking similarities from his outing against Milwaukee to what LeVert showcased in the fall before his November 12 injury in Minnesota.
Tomorrow, Caris LeVert (@CarisLeVert) returns.
— Bryan Fonseca (@BryanFonsecaNY) February 7, 2019
In his first 12 games where he looked like an All-Star, LeVert averaged 20.3 pts, 4.4 rebs, 4.0 asts & 1.4 stls, while shooting 49% on FGs, 35% on 3PTs and 74% on FTs.#Nets @NetsDaily pic.twitter.com/clIJG5Ls99
Caris LeVert scored at all levels, too.
— Bryan Fonseca (@BryanFonsecaNY) February 7, 2019
Earlier this season, he had been the primary attacker on offense, and attempted 4.4 free throws per game, up from 2.6 last season.
He also hit a three in 9 of his first 12 games, draining multiple threes on 5 occasions. #Nets @NetsDaily pic.twitter.com/V4YQLBJuOQ
Against even Golden State, Caris LeVert consistently attacked the defense, and along with 23 points, he came away with 7 assists, currently a season-high.
— Bryan Fonseca (@BryanFonsecaNY) February 7, 2019
Last season, LeVert had 7+ assists 14 times. His career-high is 11, set on December 29 in Miami. #Nets @NetsDaily pic.twitter.com/vE253KnYUR
Good use of screens, quick first-step, shot fakes, ability to finish, court awareness and a three-ball.
— Bryan Fonseca (@BryanFonsecaNY) February 7, 2019
Caris LeVert showed the total package early this season.
Now, to work his way back to this level, and then reach another, should be fun to watch. #Nets @NetsDaily pic.twitter.com/uSInVIlO53
On Wednesday, LeVert and the Nets will host the Toronto Raptors. LeVert has played one game against Toronto this season, back on February 11, his second game after returning from injury. The 6’7” swingman finished with six points, four assists and five turnovers in 23 minutes off the bench, clearly very early in his return form.
Now, LeVert has at least touched a different level. Given the intensity of their playoff push, the Nets will need LeVert to stay up there.