NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets (2-0) had to be ok with themselves following their dominant win over the Charlotte Hornets earlier this week, particularly as they appear to exceed the low expectations that almost all across the league have for them. Brooklyn’s greatest take a look at of the preseason got here on Thursday in opposition to LeBron James and the visiting Philadelphia 76ers (1-1) and the Nets managed to step up for an encouraging victory.
The Nets beat the 76ers 114-108 on Thursday in a contest the place Philadelphia performed its projected starters for the primary half earlier than sitting most of them within the second half. Ahead Julius Randle had 14 factors and 6 rebounds whereas making an attempt to make up for the offensive void left by Michael Porter Jr.’s absence and guard Egor Demin had 13 factors and 5 assists.
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Brooklyn appeared to wrestle within the first half with guarding Philadelphia’s fast-paced offense with LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey main the way in which, however they recovered within the second half. The Nets have made it clear that they’re making an attempt to win extra video games than most expect from them and this preseason has been an amazing begin for one of many youngest groups within the league.
Listed below are the Nets participant grades following Thursday’s preseason win over the 76ers:
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Egor Demin: B-
Demin began on the level guard spot for the second straight recreation and whereas it took him awhile to pile up the assists like he did on Tuesday, he additionally confirmed his means to get into the paint and bend the protection. Demin was inefficient together with his capturing as he needed to create a lot of his offense over the course of the sport, however his willingness to get downhill is a constructive for his recreation.
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Keon Ellis: B+
Ellis was the beginning capturing guard for the second straight regardless of head coach Jordi Fernandez altering up the lineup due to some accidents and the previous Cleveland Cavaliers guard seems to be extra snug with every recreation. Ellis not solely did a strong job of pressuring Philadelphia’s ball-handlers on the perimeter, however he additionally confirmed extra of his scoring chops outdoors of simply his capturing.
Noah Clowney: B
With Michael Porter Jr. lacking this recreation as a consequence of wrist soreness, Clowney bought the nod in his place and finally confirmed why Fernandez selected to go along with him over different gamers for the beginning. Clowney had a gradual begin to this contest as he wasn’t seeing the ball early within the offense whereas having some powerful defensive matchups, however he may very well be set for a strong 12 months if his off-ball effectivity continues.
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Julius Randle: B
Randle needed to assume extra of the offensive workload with Porter out for this recreation and the previous Minnesota Timberwolves ahead had some brilliant spots amidst some struggles scoring in opposition to a set 76ers protection. Randle is likely one of the higher gamers within the NBA on the subject of creating his personal shot, however he’ll finally have to seek out his rhythm inside Brooklyn’s offensive circulate.
Mo Wagner: B
Wagner had the prospect to be the beginning middle in opposition to Joel Embiid and the 76ers and he largely held his personal in opposition to a man that gained the MVP award not too way back. Wagner did job of scoring across the rim when the ball got here his means whereas additionally being his patented disruptive self on the defensive finish of the ground as he annoyed Embiid all through the sport.
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Josh Minott: C-
Minott has been peppered with questions on what his function shall be on this new-look Nets workforce and whereas he did not play a lot in opposition to the Hornets, he bought extra time on the ground in opposition to Philadelphia. Minott struggled together with his offense general, however he made most of his worth on the defensive finish of the ground together with his exercise and athleticism within the passing lanes.
Danny Wolf: A
Wolf will probably be competing for minutes on the energy ahead spot and middle place, however he’ll see extra time on the ground if he is capable of distinguish himself throughout the frontcourt rotation. A method for him to do this is together with his dribble and he did that in opposition to Philadelphia with the way in which he was capable of get to the rim and use his dimension to complete on the basket with authority.
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Chaney Johnson: A
Johnson confirmed loads of his skillset this summer season in the summertime circuit, however it was finally going to be time for him to indicate what he might do in opposition to starting-caliber NBA gamers. Johnson did an amazing job of scoring from everywhere in the ground whereas additionally having the ability to apply stress on the defensive finish of the ground, each contained in the paint and on the perimeter.
Drake Powell: C+
Powell is likely one of the youthful gamers on the roster that has to indicate that he is able to take some type of leap in his second 12 months, even when that leap goes to take a while. Powell struggled together with his offense, however he did job of filling the lanes at any time when Brooklyn went on the fastbreak and he moved his ft effectively on the defensive finish of the ground.
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Nolan Traore: B
Traore has been the backup level guard over the previous couple of video games, however this may very well be the sport the place he confirmed that he ought to stay in that spot on the very least. Traore did an amazing job of scoring everywhere in the ground and whereas his passing wants some work on the subject of an environment friendly assist-to-turnover ratio, his protection on the ball was encouraging to see.
This text initially appeared on Nets Wire: Nets participant grades after 114-108 win over LeBron James, 76ers
