The Nets’ bench has been much-maligned, but Tuesday the reserves helped Brooklyn run its home winning streak to four by downing Phoenix. And it was backup point guard Shane Larkin who stole the show against the small-ball Suns.
Phoenix plays small under most circumstances, and with former Knick Tyson Chandler missing a second straight game, the Nets knew what kind of lineup they would face. Lionel Hollins gave Larkin 30 minutes, 17 seconds of playing time, and the young guard repaid him with 11 points and a career-high eight assists.
“They played a lot of small-ball, so at shootaround we did a lot of small-ball lineup stuff and it worked out pretty good,’’ the former Knick said.
He had six points and an assist in the 12-2 fourth-quarter run that turned a five-point deficit into a five-point lead with 2 ½ minutes left.
“Amazing,’’ gushed starting point guard Jarrett Jack. “He’s been doing that the past three or four games for us, coming in, being that sparkplug for us, setting the pace, setting the tempo, knocking down big shots. He’s been doing a tremendous job.’’
Jack suffered a minor foot injury during the Suns’ 15-0 third quarter run, and said he will get treatment Wednesday.
Brooklyn welcomed old friend Mirza Teletovic back to Barclays Center.
Teletovic checked in with 2:25 left in the first quarter to polite applause. He had 12 points.
The 6-foot-9 forward spent three years in Brooklyn and became a fan favorite, but left last summer to ink a one-year, $5.5 million deal in Phoenix. He has quickly settled into his new role with the young Suns as a 3-point specialist and wise, old head.
“I can help them out. This team has a couple young guys … with all the young guys I feel like I can make the team better,’’ said Teletovic, 30.
Joe Johnson didn’t take part in shootaround Tuesday morning, with the team saying he was ill. But the veteran swingman suited up and started, scoring nine points.
Thaddeus Young had a rare off game, shooting 4 of 13.
Boxer Floyd Mayweather, rapper Rick Ross and fashion designer Steve Madden were all in the crowd.