Game Grades

Nets Light Up Pistons Amid KD’s Ejection

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A+

Final: 10/31/2021

W 117 – 91

It may have just been a coincidence, but the Nets’ offense sure looked scary on Halloween night.

Brooklyn built as large as a 30-point lead as the full roster contributed to the 117-91 win over Detroit on Sunday. Kevin Durant, though he was ejected in the third quarter, led the way with 23 points, while James Harden notched his first triple-double of the season.

It was as sharp as Brooklyn as looked in the young season as the team shot a franchise-record 65.3% from the field and recorded 30 assists on 47 field goals. Though the team still turned the ball over 19 times, there was great ball movement and pace that the Nets built on throughout the night.

Durant was particularly sharp early, scoring 23 points in 27 minutes and adding five assists. The Nets seemed to only get hotter after he was ejected for an elbow and shove of Kelly Olynyk, ultimately outscoring the Pistons 53-42 in the second half.

James Harden continued his recent tear as well, getting his shot going from deep and keeping his teammates involved. He said after the game that he’s starting to feel “real, real good,” and it’s showing.

The Nets also impressed on defense, holding the struggling Pistons to 40.5% shooting and forcing 15 turnovers. Cory Joseph had 13 points off the bench to lead Detroit.

The win gives Brooklyn its first winning streak of the season and brings the team over .500 at 4-3. The starters were able to get some good rest, too, as the Nets’ bench put up 54 points (thanks in part to five total players in double figures).

Behind a great Halloween crowd, the Nets were fun to watch and looked like they were having a lot of fun, too. Scary hours, indeed.

Next up: A matchup against a talented Hawks team on Wednesday.

Kevin Durant

A-

The stats: 23 PTS, 10-13 FG, 1-1 3PT, 2-3 FT, 1 REB, 5 AST, 1 BLK, 3 TO, 27 MIN

KD is difficult to grade because of the ejection. Ultimately, the Flagrant 2 call was not too surprising.

Still, KD was on point up until then, scoring 19 points in the first half with ease. We will never know what he would have ended up with if he had stayed in the game, but it was great to see how the team responded following his exit.

James Harden

A

The stats: 18 PTS, 6-9 FG, 4-7 3PT, 2-3 FT, 10 REB, 12 AST, 5 TO, 29 MIN

Everything is starting to fall into place for James Harden.

James is looking more confident and aggressive over the past two games. Harden was a large boost behind for the Nets’ 11-0 run in the third quarter following KD’s departure, recording assists on all the shots made in that stretch.

Harden still had some giveaways, but his shooting form and chemistry are helping the Nets find their edge. James is reminding everyone how lethal he, and the Nets, can be.

LaMarcus Aldridge

A-

The stats: 16 PTS, 7-8 FG, 2-2 FT, 3 REB, 1 AST, 2 TO, 21 MIN

LaMarcus Aldridge put up another rock-solid performance, particularly with a second-quarter push that gave the Nets some separation.

LaMarcus is showing himself to be among Brooklyn’s most reliable offensive options after a near-perfect performance against the Pistons. His impact off the bench has been irreplaceable.

DeAndre' Bembry

A-

The stats: 15 PTS, 6-8 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, 7 REB, 1 AST, 2 STL, 2 TO, 24 MIN

DeAndre’ Bembry was locked IN on both ends.

Bembry is known to be strong defensively, but he was explosive on offense against the Pistons. A strong all-around performance from Bembry that helped sustain and grow Brooklyn’s lead.

Joe Harris

B+

The stats: 12 PTS, 5-9 FG, 2-4 3PT, 4 REB, 1 AST, 1 TO, 26 MIN

We’ve been looking for Joe to look more like himself, and Sunday was a step toward that.

Joe didn’t fill up the stat sheet, but the Nets didn’t need him to. He remained aggressive and knocked down his shots when called upon. Joe continues to stretch the floor for KD and Harden and had one of his better performances of the season, which is all the Nets can ask for.

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