Brooklyn Nets grades: Nets fall to Bulls after going down to the wire
The Chicago Bulls held on to beat the Brooklyn Nets for the second time this season. In a contest where the Nets had more opportunities offensively, attempting 25 more shots than the Bulls, it wasn’t enough to keep this surging Chicago team at bay.
Outrebounding the Bulls 55-47 was vital for Brooklyn in the matchup and they managed to scoop up 15 offensive boards in the process. Bruce Brown (4 PTS, 12 REBS) in particular led both teams in that category with his activity. However, this didn’t translate with the efficiency that the Nets shot the ball at.
Despite getting looks that they usually search for, the Nets went 41% from the field. The glaring part of their shooting was definitely on James Harden (14 PTS, 14 ASTS), going an inefficient 24% in 39 minutes. The free-throw discrepancy was also a problem for them, only getting to the stripe to shoot nine times for the entire game while Chicago shot 27 free throws.
Even so, Brooklyn was dominant with their interior scoring, outscoring the Bulls 54-38. They played hard too and it seemed like their efforts were going to be rewarded. Unfortunately for them, the stage was set for the final possessions of the game to determine a winner, and Lonzo Ball (8 PTS) stepped up to drain a timely three to give his squad room to breathe.
DeMar DeRozan’s (29 PTS 6 REBS) key play down the stretch was responsible for his squad in gaining that momentum to come out with the win. If it wasn’t for Zach LaVine’s (31 PTS) pressure attacking the interior and drawing fouls, Brooklyn’s defensive schemes would have been able to stop this.
On the bright side for the Nets, Durant passed Ray Allen (24,505 PTS) for 24th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Steve Nash and his squad can redeem themselves on Tuesday when they take on the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center.
Kevin Durant: B+
Kevin Durant (28 PTS, 10 REBS) was not demanding the ball enough to help close out the win. It was clear that his co-star James Harden was not having his typical rhythm for the entire game. Similarly, Durant got off to a slow start from the field too, but got it going in the second half. In regards to rotations, perhaps Durant (12-26 FG) playing three more minutes could have made the difference in the Nets winning this game.
James Harden: B
James Harden (14 PTS, 14 ASTS, 7 REBS) did almost everything but shoot the ball well. His constant pressure in the interior opened up shots for his teammates and impressively so, the 32-year-old didn’t even turn the ball over once.
Back to his shooting, going 5-of-21 against the elites in the league is not going to get the win. He has to either step up in the future when playing these kind of teams or shy away from the moment because the game is on the line with this one deciding factor. For the future, Harden will have to choose.
LaMarcus Aldridge: A+
LaMarcus Aldridge (20 PTS, 7 REBS) showed up more than he needed to offensively. His efficiency continues to grow as the season goes on and against a team that has Nikola Vucevic (11 PTS, 5 REBS) apart of their big three, it was the veteran who outshined and outplayed him.
Paul Millsap: A+
Paul Millsap (13 PTS, 7 REBS) came to play and was ready for the challenge against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Unsurprisingly, it comes from the experience. Scoring a season-high 13 points and getting back his shooting stroke from downtown was key in not only this game, but moving forward to.
Patty Mills: A
Patty Mills (12 PTS, 2 3PM) didn’t find his normal looks from three, but he remained efficient, going 50% from the field. Mills’ activity defensively and in transition continue to spark much needed momentum for Brooklyn as well. You can just see the chemistry improving with him and his teammates.
On the other hand, Mills is capable of having a better shooting game than this. As a streaky shooter, you’re not going to have it every night. You’re going to shoot under 50% sometimes, you’re going to shoot almost perfect on some nights and of course on nights like this you’re going to have a balanced outing from the field. The Australian has to find a way to ignite a hot shooting game against the elites because it will help alleviate some pressure off of Kevin Durant and James Harden.
Bruce Brown: A-
Bruce Brown (4 PTS, 12 REBS) found himself having a bad shooting night too. The dimensions of his game that he brings defensively and off the ball are always going to be there, but in this game he shined on the glass more than usual.
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