Nets Escape: Nets 94, Hawks 89 (Game Grades)

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Deron Williams POINT GUARD

Got out to a red-hot start, picking up ten points in the first four minutes, hitting his first four shots, notching 20 by the third quarter. Showed some clear, fair frustration with the officiating in the third quarter. Struggled to create his own shot in the fourth, but hit four big free throws with under a minute left to seal the victory.

Joe Johnson SHOOTING GUARD

Tried to get him involved early, didn’t really work. Played him in a more comfortable role as the game progressed as a spot-up shooter, and later as a post-up player, and he got some quick, quiet buckets as a result.

Gerald Wallace SMALL FORWARD

If he’s at 100%, his production doesn’t support it. Worth noting that in the final few minutes, Wallace sat in favor of Keith Bogans.

Kris Humphries POWER FORWARD

Got a quick hook in his first stint after two dubious calls — the first a charge that Ivan Johnson flopped for “drew”, the second a tough call after Johnson barreled his elbows into Humphries and somehow got an and-one out of it.

Brook Lopez CENTER

The Nets barely looked to get him involved in the first half, so hard to judge his offensive output. Posted up on the first play of the second half and hit a fadeaway, then shortly after got a nice feed from Deron Williams for two more. Posterizing from Josh Smith aside, Lopez got a huge block late and snuck his way to another 20-point outing.

Andray Blatche POWER FORWARD

Did a great job spelling Brook Lopez in the second quarter and continued to play somewhat effectively throughout the game. One criticism: of all the Nets big men, he is the worst screener.

Keith Bogans SHOOTING GUARD

Got nailed while screening for Brook Lopez, hit the floor, and weirdly, because he hit the floor, the man he screened couldn’t get around him in time, and Lopez had an easy hook shot. He does all he can do — hits corner threes, layups, use his body, and plays defense — and not a microunit more. That’s why he plays best with the starters.

Reggie Evans POWER FORWARD

*blink* 20 rebounds for Reggie Evans.