What A Difference An Opponent Makes: Nets 104, Bucks 93 (GAME GRADES)

Jason Terry

Jason Terry POINT GUARD

He’s only productive with this team when he’s hitting threes. Tonight, he was hitting threes.

Mason Plumlee CENTER

Got above the rim and flew even against an athletic Milwaukee team. Took all four of his dunks/shots in the paint, which is a good thing.

Paul Pierce POWER FORWARD

Had an impetus to attack more aggressively but played more of a background role. Had one sick in-and-out dribble, shaking and baking Giannis Antetokunmpo en route to a layup.

Shaun Livingston POINT GUARD

Shared minutes in the starting lineup with Deron Williams, a look the Nets haven’t kicked off a game with yet. Thought the combination worked well, and the two didn’t struggle to share the point guard duties, though things tend to work a lot better when you’re playing the worst team in a terrible conference. Also played well with Williams off the floor, though he did get lost on a couple of defensive possessions.

Kevin Garnett POWER FORWARD

The Nets tried to get Garnett going early on the offensive end, with varying success — he was able to get inside and get good looks, but also committed a silly turnover to open the game. Some good help defense, which isn’t exactly shocking but still refreshing given his struggles this season.

Alan Anderson SHOOTING GUARD

Taken out of the starting lineup in what was not a demotion, but a chance to get a look at different lineups. Didn’t come in until the second quarter, and did some good things: took good shots and hit one pretty reverse layup late in the half.

Deron Williams POINT GUARD

Looked spry-ish early, creating looks in transition and drawing a foul. Created a bunch off the dribble for himself and others. Didn’t score after the first quarter, and didn’t have to. Not a lot of productive impact in the numbers, but played well tonight.

Joe Johnson SHOOTING GUARD

Got a couple of good spot-up looks in the first quarter, but like Pierce, played more of a background role, dishing to teammates and sitting in wait for looks that didn’t come.

Reggie Evans POWER FORWARD

I came, I saw, I havoc’d.

Mirza Teletovic POWER FORWARD

Showed off his passing ability in the first, hitting one touch pass to Mason Plumlee for an alley-oop and a second to Joe Johnson for a three-pointer on the right wing. Also ran the floor, dunked the hell out of the ball on a fast break, and hit his three-pointers to create, maintain, and extend the lead. He’s not the greatest defender against long frontcourt players like the Bucks have, but can you really ask for much more?