Kurucs, Graham scratched
CLEVELAND — Starting forwards Rodions Kurucs and Treveon Graham were late scratches for the Nets’ 148139 triple-overtime win over the Cavaliers. But despite missing the final game before the All-Star break, both are short-term concerns and expected back for the first game after the layoff.
Graham was a late scratch for personal reasons, and Kurucs sat out with a left elbow sprain. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson got the nod at power forward, and Caris LeVert got his first start since Nov. 12.
Wednesday was LeVert’s third game back after missing 42 straight with a dislocated foot. After coming off the bench due to minutes restrictions in his first two, he had 12 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in 30:30 Wednesday. Allen Crabbe, off minutes restrictions in his fourth game back after missing two months with a knee injury, added 14 points.
Graham and Kurucs are expected back when Nets return to action Feb. 21 against Portland. Graham’s personal issue isn’t expected to impact his future availability.
“It’s short-term,” said Atkinson, who started Hollis-Jefferson in Graham’s power forward spot and saw him score 17 points, including a dozen in the fourth quarter.
Kurucs is also a short-term issue. In fact, the rookie — who has been slumping the past few weeks — is expected to join Jarrett Allen in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday.
“Yes, he’s going to take part,” Atkinson said. “It’s just really sore for [the Cavs game]. It’s not a long-term thing at all.”
Wednesday’s point total was tied for the second-highest in Nets history (behind the 157 on Dec. 7, 2006, against Phoenix in double-overtime) and the most in a road game in franchise history.
Brooklyn heads into the All-Star break 30-29. They’ve matched their road win total from last season (13) with a dozen games left away from home.
Joe Harris has played a careerhigh 48:22, and Jarrett Allen blocked a career-high six shots.
D’Angelo Russell is just the sixth player to score 14 or more points in an overtime period according to Elias. The Cavs were without Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.