Caris LeVert expresses “gratitude” for Indiana Pacers debut after surgery to remove cancerous mass

Caris LeVert made his Indiana Pacers debut with 13 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes in his first game since being operated on in January to remove a cancerous mass in his kidney, to help his team defeat the Phoenix Suns by 122. -111 Saturday.

LeVert admitted to feeling “heavy legs” as he struggled to regain wind and conditioning, but said he was pleased with the results.

“A month and a half ago, two months ago, I didn’t even know if I knew I would even go here, especially soon, just with everything that happened, so it’s definitely a level of gratitude and just be in the track, ”LeVert said.

Emotionally, the Pacers organization tried to make LeVert feel comfortable.

He hadn’t played in an NBA contest since Jan. 12 as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, before being traded to Indiana. The small mass of the left kidney was discovered during a team physical and medical test before the trade ended.

In LeVert’s debut in Phoenix, the Pacers got a two-game losing streak in a six-game losing streak in seven games. All-Star double Domantas Sabonis recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.

Pacers coach Nate Bjorkgren said he felt LeVert’s presence was a boost for the team. After the match, when the guard entered the locker room, his teammates celebrated his return with strong palms and support.

“Absolutely, he cheered our team on and his character level is so high,” Bjorkgren said. “He’s such a good person. He’s been a great teammate all this time he’s been out, so our guys were very happy to have him on the court.”

Bjorkgren expects “much more” from LeVert to move forward as he continues to adjust.

LeVert said this was his second time participating in a 5-on-5 action since his health test.

“We have a tough group. We have great guys on the team, and they’ve been in my ear all game today, even before the game,” LeVert said. “I can’t thank these guys enough, and it’s sure to be a special rest of the season, once everyone starts clicking and things like that. We played a great game as a team.”