Brooklyn Nets player grades: Nets embarrassed by Hornets at home
The Brooklyn Nets followed up their inspiring come-from-behind win over the 76ers with an embarrassing loss to the Charlotte Hornets in front of their fans at Barclays Center.
Miles Bridges was unconscious offensively. While missing only seven shots, Bridges went for 32 points in 35 minutes. As for his running mates LaMelo Ball (18 PTS, 5 ASTS) and Ish Smith (15, 4 ASTS), Ball made sure to put pressure on Brooklyn’s defense all game while Smith took over in the fourth period to propel Charlotte to the victory.
The Nets’ 17 turnovers will surely be identified as one of reasons for the loss. However, the Hornets’ 56 points in the paint along with the team being reluctant to attack the interior themselves will be of blame. Charlotte did not have a true rim protector and the Nets did not exploit this enough.
Durant still managed to finish the game with a game-high of 38 points on 17-of-24 shooting, but questions will continue to come up on where else the offense will come from for Brooklyn moving forward.
Here are the player grades for Sunday’s loss:
Kevin Durant: A-
Kevin Durant is going to get his buckets no matter what and this game confirmed that to be true. On his way to scoring a game-high of 38 points, he missed seven shots and had a really lazy turnover in second quarter. In addition, around the fourth minute of the third quarter, the 33-year-old tried passing the ball to Brown but telegraphed it too much. He should attempt to do a no look pass on plays like these because the defense was two steps ahead of him on this. (Which is rare)
James Harden: B
Despite not getting any calls by the referees this game, there were flaws to James Harden’s outing versus the Hornets. First off all, his eight turnovers were tragic and six misses from three is not typical of the Nets star.
Harden also had a really lazy turnover in second quarter that led to a highlight dunk from Miles Bridges. It showed shades of his turnover last game where Tyrese Maxey picked his pocket to get an easy bucket. These type of turnovers can be prevented and should be prevented in the future.
LaMarcus Aldridge flirted with a double-double off the bench with nine points and eight rebounds. The veteran also picked up two blocks and a steal in his 21 minutes of play.
Aldridge needs to be careful though when taking care of the ball, similar to Harden, because he had two turnovers.
Bruce Brown: B
Bruce Brown almost had a double-double himself as well with eight points and seven rebounds. It didn’t take long for the Boston native to get loose upon entering the game in the first quarter too, but he slowly fell out of rhythm after the first period.
As a result, Brown missed a couple shots as the game continued on, finishing 3-of-9 from the field.
Jevon Carter: C+
Jevon Carter has to get it together from downtown. We get it, he brings defense and intense ball pressure for opposing ball handles. However, 1-of-5 from deep is not going to cut it. If anything, stop shooting and attack the paint.
Joe Harris: B
Joe Harris was one of primary target for Charlotte’s defensive scheme and it showed throughout all four periods. By the final buzzer, Harris was only able to attempt six shots.
If this happens again for the Nets sharpshooter, he must try to remain effective in other departments of the court. Perhaps attempt the mid-range shot more. Whatever it takes for Harris to put up more than six shots.
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