Nets’ Kyrie Irving returns from injury, scores 21 points in win

Point guard Kyrie Irving scored 21 points in 20 minutes in his return from a shoulder injury, leading the Nets to a 108-86 win over Atlanta in Brooklyn on Sunday.

Irving, who missed the previous 26 games, shot 10-for-11 from the field. His shoulder looked fine and his ballhandling appeared to be as good as ever while he dribbled his way around the Atlanta defense.

He knows it won’t always be that easy.

“I mean, I’m not going to shoot 10-for-11,” he said with a laugh. “I hope I can shoot 10-for-11 every night.”

Energized by Irving’s return, the Nets led by 39 points and won their second straight after dropping seven in a row.

“We had a certain confidence about us tonight that I think we were missing during that streak,“ Brooklyn head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “So, great, great timing having him back.”

On one possession in the first quarter, Irving whirled around a screen before crossing-over Atlanta forward John Collins to finish with a lefty floater. On the next possession, he blew by rookie Brandon Goodwin before extending his arm and finishing at the basket with one hand.

How were the Hawks supposed to prepare for such a supreme offensive player?

“You don’t,” Atlanta headcoach Lloyd Pierce said before the game. “We don’t have any film on him from this year. He’s been out for a significant amount of time. What you prepare for is what you know. He’s still Kyrie.”

Irving started alongside Spencer Dinwiddie to share the playmaking responsibilities and did most of his scoring near the basket, making the only 3-pointer he attempted. The Nets were already leading 70-46 at halftime before he went 5-for-5 for 10 points in a six-minute stretch of the third quarter.

“It’s not really a surprise for me,” Irving said of his...