Brooklyn Nets: Player grades from 107-102 loss to Knicks

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BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 3: Allen Crabbe #33 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against the New York Knicks during a pre-season game on October 3, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

ALLEN CRABBE. C+. 20 MIN, 8 PTS, 3 REB, -11. SG. Brooklyn Nets

Allen Crabbe was mostly content to stay behind the 3-point line and launch. He nailed a deep 3 in the third period after struggling in the first half from deep and finished 2-for-6 from the land of 3 and 3-for-7 overall.

He also patrolled long rebounds well, but struggled with defensive coverage in the second period in particular, getting himself caught a couple of times in the spin cycle by Knicks rookie Allonzo Trier, who scored 17 points in the quarter.

To be fair, Trier also abused Caris LeVert, Joe Harris and Treveon Graham during his hot stretch, so Crabbe wasn’t alone on the island.

It was one of those times when it didn’t matter who coach Kenny Atkinson shifted onto Trier, the kid was just on fire.

Signed to a two-way contract, Trier is making it difficult for the Knicks to keep him there, particularly when Emmanual Mudiay and Mario Hezonja seem to be trying to out-awful each other to give up their roster spots.

Crabbe still settles a bit too often for the long 3 when there are lanes available for him to penetrate and make the defense scramble, but that appears to be his role.