Brooklyn Nets: Player grades from believable comeback win at Orlando

Brooklyn Nets D'Angelo Russell (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets D'Angelo Russell (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
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Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets Treveon Graham. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

While DeMarre Carroll wasn’t quite the offensive force he has been in recent weeks, he answered a big need for the Brooklyn Nets on a night when rookie Rodions Kurucs played like a rookie.

Carroll was the first Net off the bench and had a big hand in the defensive work, particularly late in the game.

It was Carroll who slid into a rim protector position when Jarrett Allen got switched onto Evan Fournier on the final possession of the game for the Orlando Magic and it was his challenge on Fournier’s floater that altered the shot just enough to allow the Nets to get out with the win.

He still had a solid offensive night, making 5-of-9 overall while misfiring on all three of his 3-point attempts. And his lone assist to Ed Davis was point-guard worthy.

Pretty nimble for a 6-foot-8 combo forward.

Treveon Graham‘s offensive resurgence ended after just one game, but the erstwhile starter at the 4 for the Nets still made an impact in the game.

His defense was mostly solid even as he was giving up lots of size to either Aaron Gordon or Jonathan Isaac and when the Official Two-Minute Report for this game is released, I’d be willing to bet the officials erred when they called Graham for a foul on Terrence Ross‘ 3-point attempt with 22.5 seconds remaining.

It’s pretty clear that Graham (a) gave Ross room to come down after the shot and (b) did not initiate the contact. Rather, Ross’ kick appeared to be what got the attention of rookie referee Ashley Moyer-Gleich.