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Eric WoodyardESPN
In her first game since undergoing surgery in January to remove a cancerous mass from the kidney, Caris LeVert made her debut at the Indiana Pacers with 13 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes to help her team defeat the Phoenix Suns 122-111 on Saturday.
LeVert admitted to feeling “heavy legs” as he struggled to catch his breath and conditioning, but said he was satisfied with the results.
“A month and a half ago, two months ago, I didn’t even know if I knew I would be here, especially now, just with everything that happened, so it’s definitely a level of thanks and just happy to be on the court,” said LeVert.
Emotionally, the Pacers organization tried to make LeVert feel comfortable.
He had not played in an NBA competition since January 12 as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, before being traded to Indiana. The small mass in his left kidney was discovered during a physical and medical test by the team before the negotiation was finalized.
At LeVert’s Phoenix debut, the Pacers had a two-game losing streak in a six-game losing streak in seven games. Twice All-Star Domantas Sabonis made a triple-double with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
Pacers coach Nate Bjorkgren said he felt LeVert’s presence was an incentive for the team. After the game, when the guard entered the locker room, his teammates celebrated his return with applause and support.
“He certainly energized our team, and his level of character is so high,” said Bjorkgren. “He is such a good person. He has been a great teammate all this time he has been away, so our boys were very happy to have him back on the court.”
Bjorkgren expects “much more” from LeVert in the future, as he continues to adjust.
LeVert said that this is the second time that he has participated in a 5 against 5 action since his ordeal of health.
“We have a resilient group. We have great guys on the team and they were in my ear for the entire game today, even before the game,” said LeVert. “I have no way to thank these guys and it will be a special rest of the season, for sure, when everyone starts clicking and things like that. We played a great game as a team.”