Brooklyn Nets: 3 most impressive non-Big 3 players vs Celtics

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 25: Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket as Romeo Langford #45 of the Boston Celtics defends during the second half of Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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Nets forward Blake Griffin (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

2. Blake Griffin

Doesn’t it feel like Blake Griffin gains more enemies in the city of Detroit after each game he plays well in for the Nets?

In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if some Pistons fans are writing letters to the mayor’s office pleading for Griffin to be taken to court for seemingly conserving his energy (and health) before his inevitable move to a contender at the buyout deadline.

In the simplest of terms, Griffin has been everything the Nets could’ve asked for and then some since they signed him following his buyout with Detroit. While his stats might not look very impressive, his value extends well beyond the box score.

Blake Griffin is giving the Nets great minutes against the Celtics.

Speaking strictly in terms of his impact against Boston, Griffin is averaging 6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and one steal in 20.0 minutes over the first two games. The veteran forward is only attempting three shots and Brooklyn will likely need more scoring from him as they get deeper in the playoffs, but his contributions right now are spot on.

Putting aside the fact that he was dropped by Kemba Walker in embarrassing fashion, the Celtics have had zero answers for Griffin, who unleashed a thunderous left-handed dunk and finished with a +18 in Tuesday night’s blowout win at the Barclays Center.