Nets' Caris LeVert stretchered off court

Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Brooklyn Nets forward Caris LeVert was stretchered off of the court after suffering a serious leg injury during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The gruesome injury occurred in the final seconds of the first half of the Timberwolves' 120-113 win against the Nets on Monday at Target Center in Minneapolis.

LeVert went airborne on a defensive play during the sequence. Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie was going coast-to-coast on a breakaway. Okogie jumped and made contact with LeVert before both players crashed to the floor. Okogie was helped to his feet, while LeVert stayed grounded, writhing in pain with his hands over his face.

LeVert clutched his right leg during the play. He was taken to a local Minneapolis hospital for further evaluation after leaving the arena on a stretcher.

"He's the heart and soul of our program," Nets coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters. "It's a really tough blow .. He had a fantastic start to the season. He has obviously made a huge jump. I just know Caris, if anyone is coming back for us, knowing the man, the character, the person, the player, he'll come back from this. Tough blow for the Nets. Our only thoughts are with him. Nothing else matters. Game doesn't matter tonight."

Several NBA stars reached out to LeVert following the injury.

"Young Fella prayers to you! Speedy recovery and even stronger impact coming soon for sure," LeBron James tweeted.

"I hate injuries! Prayers up for Caris LeVert," Dwyane Wade tweeted.

LeVert had 10 points, five rebounds and four assists in 16:42 during the loss.