Brooklyn Nets: Player grades from Christmas Eve eve win over Suns
By Phil Watson
17 MIN, 6 PTS, 1-for-3 (0-for-1), 4-for-8 FT, 5 REB (3 ORB), 1 PF, 1 STL, 3 TO, 2 BLK, +4. PF. Brooklyn Nets. RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON. C
Sunday was the second straight game of limited minutes for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, whether by design or as an after-effect of the left quad contusion that landed him on the injury report prior to Friday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers.
He’s going to the hole aggressively and getting to the line, but he’s still having some problems converting once he gets there. Plus, RHJ still tends to get a little out of control with the ball, as evidenced by three turnovers in 17 minutes on Sunday.
He was active on the glass with three offensive boards and scored his only bucket on a nice putback, while blocking a couple of shots at the other end.
Hollis-Jefferson has had a very up-and-down season, but his defense and energy are still valuable.
Brooklyn Nets. SHABAZZ NAPIER. C. 3 MIN, 1 PF, -6. SG/PG
Shabazz Napier had a very uneventful cameo Sunday night, getting into the game for the final three minutes and committing a foul.
He’s been the victim of the ascent of Rodions Kurucs in the rotation, as his minutes have all but disappeared since then.