The Brooklyn Nets (6-18) are feeling good about themselves heading into Friday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks (10-16) as they enter the NBA Cup on a short break having won three of their last four games. Brooklyn also got healthier during the break, but it wasn’t enough to get them past Anthony Davis and Co. in Dallas.
Although forward Michael Porter Jr. continued his outstanding play and may have entered the All-Star Game, the Nets lost to the Mavericks 119-111. Porter had 34 points and four rebounds, while rookie forward Danny Wolf came off the bench to add 17 points and seven rebounds for a Brooklyn team that needed someone to step up.
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Mavericks center Anthony Davis’ performance was basically stable in the first three quarters, but he took his performance to a higher level in the fourth quarter, finishing with 24 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg did not disappoint, scoring 22 points and dishing out eight assists. Here are the Nets players’ scores following Friday’s loss to the Mavericks:
Yegor Demin: D
Deming really struggled in this game as he couldn’t find his way offensively, whether it was shooting or passing the ball when he was called upon to attack. Deming will have games like this where he struggles to make an impact on both ends of the floor, but that’s part of the growing pains of being an NBA rookie, especially one as young as he is.
Terrence Mann: B+
Mann has mostly been behind Michael Porter Jr. and Nick Claxton on offense over the past few weeks, but in this game, he was solid offensively. Mann has been used as a secondary playmaker for much of the season, especially as Yegor Deming learned how to play point guard in the NBA, but his consistency on offense has been encouraging.
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Michael Porter Jr.: A
At this point, everyone is paying attention to Porter’s performance, and even when teams try to pressure him on the ball, he still finds a way to outperform his opponents. What’s been pleasing about Porter in this recent stretch is his ability to move without the basketball and/or get to the best spot on the floor with as few dribbles as possible.
Noah Clooney: C-
Clowney had an up-and-down performance against the Mavericks, and he had some successful scoring runs, but the defense seemed to be his weak spot. Granted, few players can limit Anthony Davis on their own, but it would be difficult for Clowney to shut Davis out or prevent him from getting into this body, but over time, he will learn how to deal with players like this.
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Nick Claxton: B+
Depending on the players on the field, Claxton has to spend some time guarding Davis, making it a tougher game for him as well. Claxton held his own well for the most part, and he still found a way to make an impact on Davis while still providing the versatility Brooklyn has gotten from him this season.
Ziaire Williams: C-
Williams struggled to shoot in this one because the Mavericks didn’t give him many open looks behind the three-point line. Williams wasn’t one of the best shooters in the league during his time with the Nets, but the good news is that he still maintains the intensity on the defensive end, which is something head coach Jordy Fernandez wants to see from him in every game.
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Danny Wolfe: A-
Wolfe has played a lot of games off the bench because of his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways, including his three-point shooting. Wolff has shown recently that he is the most willing of all rookies to contribute to wins, and he does so with the confidence that many saw him perform during his time in college.
Daron Sharpe: C+
Sharp struggled to finish at the rim against the Mavericks’ defense, but he also found a way to the free throw line thanks to his prowess in the paint. Sharp is a great rebounder and passer in a fast-paced game, and his minutes off the bench in Clarkston will be crucial to the Nets’ ability to be competitive in Dallas.
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Tyrese Martin: B
Martin has struggled a bit over the past few weeks as he hasn’t been able to find his shooting touch, but that wasn’t the case against the Mavericks. Even though Dallas is one of the better defensive teams in the league in terms of defensive efficiency, Martin has found a way to make an impact offensively during his time on the court.
Derek Powell: F
Powell didn’t play much in Dallas as he struggled to get anything going on both ends of the floor, and it was obvious early on that he wasn’t doing that. Powell will have plenty of opportunities to learn on the court, but in a winnable game against Dallas, Fernandez decided to take a different approach in the rotation.
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Nolan Traore: F
It was unclear if Traore would get playing time against the Mavericks, but when he started the second quarter, the coaching staff indicated he would get another chance. However, Traore was unable to produce anything similar to what he did in the G League, but hopefully this trial run lasts longer than just one game.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets player results: Michael Porter Jr. drops 34 points in loss to Mavericks
