The Brooklyn Nets (2-7) had to be feeling about themselves after picking up their second win of the season on Wednesday against a Charlotte Hornets team that they lost to in the season-opener. Brooklyn managed to win in front of their home fans before beginning a four-game road trip with a game at the Atlanta Hawks (7-4) on Saturday that the Nets weren't able to close the way they needed to.
The Nets lost to the Hawks 124-121 in a game where Brooklyn once again did what it needed to do for the first three quarters, but lost their grip on the game in the fourth period. Forward Michael Porter Jr. led the way for the Nets with 25 points and nine rebounds while forward Julius Randle had a solid all-around game with 19 points, seven rebounds, and eight
assists.
Atlanta managed to win a game where they led for just 3% of the time thanks for forward Jalen Johnson's 30 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. The Nets had plenty of chances to put this game away over the course of the four quarters, but they weren't able to close the game the way they needed to in order to begin their road trip in the right way with a win.
Here are the Nets player grades after Saturday's loss to the Hawks:
Nolan Traore: A
Traore has been finding his groove as of late thanks to his growing confidence in his offensive game, especially when it comes to his driving to the rim. What has been impressive to see from Traore during his time in the starting lineup is how he's able to get into the paint with ease and how comfortable he is with taking pull-up three-pointers and floaters in the lane.
Danny Wolf: B
After his exceptional performance on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets, Wolf found his way in the starting lineup and he had a solid outing considering his matchup on the defensive end of the floor. Wolf wasn't spectacular with how he shot the basketball, but he took good shots for the most part and he was all over the glass when he was in the area.
Michael Porter Jr.: A
Porter did a great job of scoring the ball overall in this one, but his efficiency from behind the three-point line was lack despite getting some really good looks throughout the game. Not only has Porter done his part by continuing to be the most reliable scorer on the team, but he also held true to his mission to be a better rebounder as he didn't let many rebounds get away from him or to the player he was boxing out.
Julius Randle: B+
Randle was solid scoring the ball from all over the floor as he looked to be more patient with how he was looking for his shots and letting the game come to him in such a fast-paced matchup. Randle did a good job of rebounding the basketball and playing defense, but he has to do a better job of protecting the basketball so that the offense can run more smoothly.
Day'Ron Sharpe: A+
Sharpe had an inconsistent start to the season as he dealt with foul trouble and/or inefficiency around the rim, but this game showed just how unique of a player he is. Sharpe did a good job of finishing in the paint, especially with the Hawks not having many big bodies available to throw at him, but he also did an amazing job of finding his teammates time and again with his slick passing.
Noah Clowney: B-
Clowney continues to see significant playing time in the rotation and it was because of what he was able to show in the game. Clowney did not shoot the ball well despite getting some open looks from behind the three-point line, but he rebounded the basketball well and he competed on the defensive end of the floor despite how physical Atlanta was playing at times.
Mo Wagner: C+
Wagner did a good job of scoring the basketball in this one as he waited patiently until he was able to get free around the rim and he made the most of his limited offensive touches. Wagner could have been more active on the glass over the course of his minutes, but he brought his customary physicality and energy and that helped him making some nice plays on the defensive end as well.
Terance Mann: C-
Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez has been looking to players like Mann to be a steady presence off the bench and the veteran has been bringing that to the second unit since he began seeing minutes in the rotation. Mann didn't do anything that showed up in the stat sheet, but his ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain his role as the glue guy helped Brooklyn stay one step ahead of the Hawks.
Mikel Brown Jr.: B-
Brown is going to show up in the stat sheet as having a rough shooting game and for the first three quarters, that was very much the case for the rookie rocking the afro. However, when the Nets were dragging in the fourth quarter to find some consistent offense, Brown made some huge shots to keep Brooklyn in the game when Atlanta did what it could to win at home.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets player grades after 124-121 loss to Jalen Johnson, Hawks
