Irving returns to Brooklyn fold

NEW YORK — Kyrie Irving rejoined the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, saying he took a leave of absence because he “just needed a pause.”

Irving practiced with the team and could play Wednesday in Cleveland. The All-Star guard has missed the last seven games — five while away from the team and two more while regaining his conditioning after he was eligible to return.

Resting his head on his arms folded in front of him while he spoke during a Zoom interview, Irving didn’t give a clear reason for his absence, saying he had a lot of family and personal stuff going on.

“I’m a hometown kid so things hit a little different when family and personal stuff going on, and that’s up to me to handle that as a man,” Irving said. “But yeah, I just take full accountability for my absence with the guys and just had a conversation with each one of them and we move on.”

BLAZERS’ MCCOLLUM OUT WITH BROKEN FOOT

Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum has a hairline fracture in his left foot, the team said.

McCollum will wear a walking boot and be reevaluated in four weeks. He was injured Saturday during a game against the Atlanta Hawks.

McCollum was averaging a career-best 26.7 points and five assists per game when he was injured.

NUGGETS 119, THUNDER 101

Nikola Jokic had 27 points and 12 rebounds before calling it an early night at home as Denver routed Oklahoma City.

Clean shaven and sporting a new buzz cut, Jokic also had six assists before taking a seat on the bench with the other starters for the fourth quarter.

Luguentz Dort scored 15 of his 20 points in the first half to pace the Thunder.

JAZZ 118, PELICANS 102

Donovan Mitchell posted 28 points and seven rebounds as host Utah handled New Orleans for its sixth straight victory.

Mitchell also made four of the Jazz’s 21 3-pointers. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 32 points.