Brooklyn Nets: 3 takeaways from signature win in Houston

2. Graham finally finds his touch

To say Treveon Graham had begin his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets slowly would be an understatement of epic proportions.

Graham, who missed 37 games with a hamstring injury before returning earlier this month, was making his third straight start in just his ninth game with the club overall since signing a free-agent deal for the veteran’s minimum over the summer.

On Wednesday, he had his breakout game — scoring a career-high 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting while knocking down 3-of-4 from 3-point range to go with five rebounds and some solid defense, particularly late in regulation and in the overtime while helping to try and slow down James Harden.

The 21 points was more than the 19 points he scored in his first eight games for Brooklyn, on 7-of-40 shooting overall and 3-for-26 from deep.

Yes, he had seven buckets, including three 3s, on Wednesday alone.

Graham’s outside shot was falling, but he was also aggressive taking the ball inside — particularly when being guarded by Harden, who was assigned to Graham, Brooklyn’s least likely offensive threat entering the game.

Graham got the start Wednesday even with the availability of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, back after missing seven games with a right adductor strain.

Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported before the game that Hollis-Jefferson would be on a minutes restriction Wednesday and RHJ played just seven minutes, scoring three points with four rebounds.

So Graham’s performance was huge in what turned into a terrific come-from-behind win for the Nets (after they blew an early 15-point lead, but still … ).

Given coach Kenny Atkinson’s tendency to go with hot hands, it’s likely Graham will make his fourth straight start Friday night against the Orlando Magic. It’s also likely, however, there will be a lot less grumbling from the fan base about that.