Player grades for a dominant Halloween win
Kevin Durant was his usual self, scoring 19 points before the half and notching 23 points by the end of the third period. He put up those numbers on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting night. Durant led the way for the Nets going into the half as they were already dominating by 15 points.
The forward’s night did end early though for elbowing Kelly Olynyk in the third quarter. For his team, it didn’t matter because James Harden (18 PTS, 12 ASTS, 10 REBS) secured a triple-double anyway and three other Nets cracked double-digits in scoring: LaMarcus Aldridge (16 PTS), DeAndre’ Bembry (15 PTS) and Joe Harris (12 PTS).
Detroit did not have a chance at all with Brooklyn shooting the ball so well all night at 65%. The Pistons did not even manage to capture a lead larger than one throughout the entire 48 minutes.
Here are the player grades from Sunday’s win:
Kevin Durant: A
The 33-year-old was feeling himself in this one, only missing three shots on the night. His defense could have been better for his standards, but what he provided was more than enough this game. What keeps Durant away from an A+ is his three turnovers and ejection.
James Harden: A-
It was great all-around game for James Harden against the Pistons. He was rewarded with a triple-double too. It’s no wonder why he finished the contest with a plus-minus of plus +19.
Harden should still try getting to the free throw line more though because that aspect of his game helps him shine brighter. With referees still adapting to the league’s new rules concerning fouls, if he gets to the line more than three times a game this will put the right amount of pressure on referees to make the right call when he draws them.
Of course, the actual fouls, not the flopping ones.
Joe Harris: A-
Joe Harris is finally out of that shooting slump he has been on in these past couple of games. The sharpshooter went 5-of-9 from the field and grabbed four rebounds in the process. Last game, Harris looked awful from downtown, going only 1-of-6 from there.
Although Harris shot less threes tonight with four, he made half of them, which is realistically preferred for your team’s sharpshooter.
LaMarcus Aldridge: A
LaMarcus Aldridge’s efficiency from the field is starting to look scary good. He entered the Halloween matchup already shooting over 60% on the season. Now, after a 7-of-8 performance from the field, Aldridge is at 64%. There really isn’t more that you would want from your back up big man to do. It’s amazing he’s still doing this at 36 as well.
DeAndre Bembry: A
DeAndre Bembry came off the bench to score 15 points in 23 minutes. While only missing two shots, Bembry still showed off his elite defensive abilities all game. His ability to slash also shined and his teammates raved about it in the postgame press conference.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the chemistry is going to look with Bembry and the team by season’s end. That pick and roll is going to be lethal.
Jevon Carter: A-
Jevon Carter has found his stroke from deep and it’s making him more of a complete player on the court. His defense is marvelous, he’s up there with Bruce Brown, Nic Claxton and DeAndre’ Bembry as the best defenders on the same. What’s going to be the holy grail of if he gets more minutes or not is what he does on offense.
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