NBA

Others step up in KG’s absence

Usually when a 37-year-old big man misses three straight games with a bad back, it’s cause for concern. But apparently not in Brooklyn, where the Nets insist they aren’t the slightest bit worried about venerable Kevin Garnett.

Maybe it’s the fact Brooklyn has won all three games, the latest Wednesday’s wire-to-wire 103-94 victory over Memphis. Or perhaps the Nets know it’s just maintenance and precaution for Garnett, not injury and recovery. But whatever the case, the Nets are saying it’s all part of the plan to get — and keep — Garnett healthy for the playoffs. After Wednesday, the Nets sure look to be a playoff club.

“It is what it is. That’s the plan. We have to come up with a game plan, and that’s the plan,’’ coach Jason Kidd had said before the game, adding he wasn’t worried at all about Garnett’s back woes becoming chronic or threatening his postseason. “Nope. No concerns. … It’s March. He has to play all 82?”

It has been 49-of-59 going into Friday’s game at Boston, for which his status is up in the air. Garnett, averaging a career-low 21.0 minutes after logging 29.7 last season, has been the Nets’ defensive anchor all season, and they want to ensure he’s around when they need him. In the meantime, they’ve gotten by.

In his absence, the Nets backup big men have had to step up, with rookie Mason Plumlee starting the last three games in place of Garnett, Andray Blatche playing his usual role and Jason Collins, signed to another 10-day contract, who logged 17:13 of yeoman’s work against the Grizzlies. So far, the formula has worked.

“It’s been good,” said Plumlee, who had four points and six boards, and is 3-0 since entering the starting lineup for Garnett over the weekend. “When you’re out there in the starting lineup with those guys you don’t really have to do much on the offensive end, I can just focus on defense, because all those guys can put the ball in the hole. I’ve just got to get them open.

“I think it’s great. You’re definitely proud of it. But at the same time you want him back. That’s our rock, and you don’t want to go too long without him.’’

Blatche had a dozen points and a season-high three blocks to fill Garnett’s role.

“Even though he’s out, he’s still a major part of this team,” said Blatche.“A lot of guys have to step up. Mason has been playing extremely good defense with the starters and that’s what’s been helping.

Blatche had a spin move and scored on a finger roll.

“That’s Magic Johnson. I pull out some tricks every once in awhile. I might go down to Rucker [Park] this summer,’’ he said.