Advertisement

Player grades: Kyrie Irving drops 48 in 117-106 win over the Utah Jazz

The Brooklyn Nets visited Vivint Arena on Friday to face the Utah Jazz and won 117-106. This was the first of two matchups between the two teams this season and Brooklyn leads the series 1-0.

For the Nets, Kyrie Irving dropped 48 points and 11 rebounds while Nic Claxton had 20 points and four blocks. Royce O’Neale had 13 points in his return to Utah and Seth Curry had 10 points off the bench.

For the Jazz, Jordan Clarkson had 29 points and five assists while Lauri Markkanen had 22 points and 11 rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker had 17 points off the bench and Malik Beasley had 12 points.

After a lifeless three quarters from Kyrie Irving on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, Irving started this one on fire. He was able to score from all over the court and had some strong finishes at the rim as well.

This was a back-and-forth affair as both teams were essentially even in most statistical categories. However, Brooklyn was able to win at Utah despite the Jazz’s bench out-scoring the Nets’ bench 32-21.

Here are your Nets player grades:

Ben Simmons: C+

Simmons was not aggressive in this game likes he needs to be when Kevin Durant is out. There were times that he got close to the basket with a favorable matchup and refused to look at the rim. Despite his lack of aggression on the offensive end, he did a good job helping on the boards and playing defense. There are still too many times that he gambles on defense and puts Brooklyn in compromised positions defensively. He also turned the ball over more than usual.

Kyrie Irving: A+

Irving was spectacular in this game from start to finish. After starting Thursday’s game against the Suns essentially checked out until the fourth quarter, Irving made sure to start this game the way he should. He had every part of his game working and he looked more engaged. He also made a considerable impact passing the ball and playing defense.

Joe Harris: B-

Harris was unable to get anything going in the first half in terms of shooting the ball, but it was a different story in the second half as he hit three three’s in the third quarter. He did a decent job rebounding and was a surprise in how well he was passing the ball.

Royce O'Neale: B

O’Neale made sure to make his homecoming to Utah a special one as he shot three’s like they were going out of style. The good thing is, he was at least effective from three-point range in this game. O’Neale did a great job of passing the ball in this game as he has done throughout this season. He also had a great defensive effort in this one.

Nic Claxton: A

Claxton was incredible in this one as he was in a flow from the opening tip. He was finishing strong at the rim, including a ferocious dunk on Walker Kessler, and he was driving to the rim as well. He did an okay job on the boards, but he was amazing at protecting the rim and swatting shots out of the sky.

Seth Curry: B-

Curry had a tough time being efficient from the floor in this one, but he had some big shots when the Nets needed him to do so. He did a good job finding the open man after he attacked his closeout. Defense was an issue for him as he had trouble staying in front of guys like Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton.

TJ Warren: C

Warren did an okay job scoring in this game. He made solid contributions on the glass and passing the ball. Even though he has vowed to be a better defender, Warren has struggled on the defensive end recently.

Yuta Watanabe: D

Watanabe did not contribute much in this game outside of the corner three that he hit. Tonight was a rough game for him defensively as he had a hard time keeping up with Utah’s quicker guards.

Edmond Sumner: C-

Sumner did not play much in this game as he was unable to get anything going on the offensive end. He had a hard time making an impact on the defensive end and he struggled to defend without fouling.

Cam Thomas: D

Thomas tried to do what he could to make his mark on the game, but he ended up putting up some tough shots and wasn’t able to make an impact that way. His shot selection was questionable at best and it was clear that he didn’t have a hot hand.

Story originally appeared on Nets Wire