Brooklyn Nets: Player grades from comeback win over Knicks

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SG/SF. Brooklyn Nets. CARIS LEVERT. B+. 28 PTS, 8-for-13 (2-for-5), 6 REB (1 ORB), 5 AST, 3 PF, 4 TO, 0

I really wanted to give this an “A,” I really did. But the four turnovers, and my ancient point guard’s sensibilities about taking care of the basketball just prevented me from doing it.

That said, LeVert isn’t so much breaking out as he is exploding all over the NBA.

LeVert’s 28 points on Friday came on just 13 shots, as his improved strength is allowing him to evolve into a low-budget James Harden with 19 trips to the foul line in two games.

And in the fourth quarter — when it mattered most — LeVert was on fire, scoring 15 points in the period as Brooklyn rallied from a six-point deficit to get the win.

His confidence is brimming, he can get to the rim seemingly at will and has already emerged as the Nets’ go-to scorer — something the team hasn’t really had since Joe Johnson was waived in 2016.

Entering his third season, LeVert can make a serious All-Star push if he continues to play at this level.

Brooklyn Nets. SPENCER DINWIDDIE. C+. 31 MIN, 10 PTS, 4-for-12 (2-for-6), 3 REB (1 ORB), 6 AST, 4 PF, 4 TO, +2. PG/SG

Coach Kenny Atkinson solved the “which two guards to play down the stretch” question by doing what he was reluctant to do in Detroit — he just played three of them. He closed with Dinwiddie, D’Angelo Russell and Caris LeVert on the floor.

Dinwiddie did a decent job moving the ball and finding open shooters, but was loose with the ball, turning it over four times.

And his shot was just not there on Friday night, going just 4-for-12. But Brooklyn looks awfully good offensively when they have Dinwiddie, Russell and LeVert all able to initiate the offense — the ball movement that trio can generate really can get a defense hopping.