Didn’t make shots he should — and needs — to make.
Got early minutes again with Lopez out, but didn’t do much with them. One weakness in his game: after he secures an offensive rebound, he always takes one power dribble before going back up with a shot attempt, even if it’s not necessary. That gives the defense time to recover and contest his shot. He’s a good enough leaper that he shouldn’t need to gather himself before jumping back up.
Aw, crap.
The Nets have a payroll of $190 million, and veteran’s minimum Livingston is playing like the team’s best player right now. I iirmily believe — and hope — that his stellar play isn’t a fluke. He gets into the lane with such ease and has no issues with deference. Led the team in scoring by far, and didn’t take over the offense to do it. He does tend to pull up for short jumpers a bit more than you’d like, but when he’s doing things like this otherwise, it’s hard to be upset at that:
Part 1) FINALLY. The fire-breathing Kevin Garnett joined the Brooklyn Nets once and for all, hitting his first six shots — all jumpers — all in the game’s first five minutes. The Nets made a concerted effort to get Garnett the ball, and he finally converted.
Part 2) If only his shotmaking stuck around — Garnett then just made one of his next ten attempts from the field, looking near lifeless by the end of the game before a quick stretch that included a putback layup and a strong block. He’s hurt, but he looked infirm.
A+ for the first 5 minutes, F+ for the final 15. Split the difference.
Hit his first three and some free throws, and, uh, that was about all I can remember.
Looked decent for some stretches and completely absent in others.
Didn’t have the worst game of his career, but demoted a full letter grade by responding to boos with a useless step-back contested jumper with time on the shot clock. Just dreadful.
Started in place of the injured Brook Lopez, sorta-kinda moving Kevin Garnett to the 5, though Garnett functioned basically as a power forward. Had some decent minutes of energy in the first half, but by the end, his total lack of an offensive game and lack of length defensively was more a burden than a boon.
