DeAndre Jordan’s play just as crucial as Caris LeVert’s in comeback effort

DeAndre Jordan kicked it into high gear with his defense in Brooklyn’s loss to the Raptors. Unfortunately, the Nets still didn’t earn a win.

Caris LeVert’s offensive production in the fourth quarter was the main reason the Nets were within one shot of winning the game in Saturday’s 119-118 loss to the Toronto Raptors. But the wing’s performance was not the sole reason Brooklyn was still in the game late after struggling early.

The Nets were unable to execute effectively on the defensive end for much of Saturday’s game. The Raptors took full advantage of Brooklyn’s struggles, scoring 30-plus points in each of the first three quarters.

But then something changed in the fourth quarter. Things started to click for Brooklyn on the defensive end, while LeVert took over on the offensive end.

What led to the Nets’ coming together on defense? DeAndre Jordan taking control down low.

In addition to disrupting attempts at the rim, Jordan grabbed six of his 14 rebounds in the fourth quarter. Clearly, Kenny Atkinson saw how impactful the veteran big was — Brooklyn’s head coach played Jordan every second of the final quarter.

[Jordan] was our defensive anchor. We weren’t getting that resistance, and he anchored our defense and did a good job on [Serge] Ibaka. Was patrolling the paint. He got us back in the game with his defense.

The Nets will need a similar fourth-quarter effort throughout Monday’s game when they visit the Indiana Pacers.