Brooklyn Nets: Player grades from gut-check win at Chicago
By Phil Watson
C. 28 MIN, 9 PTS, 2-for-10, 5-for-6 FT, 3 REB (1 ORB), 3 AST, 1 PF, +0. PF. Brooklyn Nets. RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson‘s first name could well have been Rdndae for his play against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday — all D, no O.
A game-time decision because of a left quad contusion, Hollis-Jefferson made the start and did a terrific defensive job against young Bulls stretch 4 Lauri Markkanen, who was held to eight points — and six shots — in 33 minutes, primarily by RHJ.
That made up for a rough, rough night offensively for Hollis-Jefferson, who was clearly bothered by Chicago’s length inside, going just 2-for-10, but getting himself to the line for six free throws, making five.
C+. 23 MIN, 8 PTS, 3-for-5 (0-for-2), 2-for-2 FT, 4 REB (1 ORB), 0 AST, 2 PF, 1 STL, 1 BLK, -2. SF. Brooklyn Nets. RODIONS KURUCS
Rookie Rodions Kurucs made his fourth consecutive start for the Brooklyn Nets and found himself in some tough defensive matchups against point guards Kris Dunn and Cameron Payne for long stretches.
Dunn used his quickness to do some damage against Kurucs, but the rookie got a measure of revenge by using his 7-foot-2 wingspan to cleanly pick a simple sideline inbounds pass intended for Dunn, then used his strength to fend off Dunn on a drive to the rim for a layup at the other end.
Kurucs also made a nice read on a baseline drive for a monster jam and made had a big block to erase a drive by Payne.