NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets (2-0) had to feel good about themselves following their dominant win over the Charlotte Hornets earlier this week, especially as they look to exceed the low expectations that most around the league have for them. Brooklyn’s biggest test of the preseason came on Thursday against LeBron James and the visiting Philadelphia 76ers (1-1) and the Nets managed to step up for an encouraging victory.
The Nets beat the 76ers 114-108 on Thursday in a contest where Philadelphia played its projected starters for the first half before sitting most of them in the second half. Forward Julius Randle had 14 points and six rebounds while trying to make up for the offensive void left by Michael Porter Jr.’s absence and guard Egor Demin had 13 points and five assists.
Brooklyn seemed to struggle in the first half with guarding Philadelphia’s fast-paced offense with LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey leading the way, but they recovered in the second half. The Nets have made it clear that they are trying to win more games than most are expecting from them and this preseason has been a great start for one of the youngest teams in the league.
Here are the Nets player grades following Thursday’s preseason win over the 76ers:
Egor Demin: B-
Demin started at the point guard spot for the second straight game and while it took him awhile to pile up the assists like he did on Tuesday, he also showed his ability to get into the paint and bend the defense. Demin was inefficient with his shooting as he had to create much of his offense over the course of the game, but his willingness to get downhill is a positive for his game.
Keon Ellis: B+
Ellis was the starting shooting guard for the second straight despite head coach Jordi Fernandez changing up the lineup due to a few injuries and the former Cleveland Cavaliers guard looks more comfortable with each game. Ellis not only did a solid job of pressuring Philadelphia’s ball-handlers on the perimeter, but he also showed more of his scoring chops outside of just his shooting.
Noah Clowney: B
With Michael Porter Jr. missing this game due to wrist soreness, Clowney got the nod in his place and eventually showed why Fernandez chose to go with him over other players for the start. Clowney had a slow start to this contest as he wasn’t seeing the ball early in the offense while having some tough defensive matchups, but he could be set for a solid year if his off-ball efficiency continues.
Julius Randle: B
Randle had to assume more of the offensive workload with Porter out for this game and the former Minnesota Timberwolves forward had some bright spots amidst some struggles scoring against a set 76ers defense. Randle is one of the better players in the NBA when it comes to creating his own shot, but he’ll eventually have to find his rhythm within Brooklyn’s offensive flow.
Mo Wagner: B
Wagner had the chance to be the starting center against Joel Embiid and the 76ers and he largely held his own against a guy that won the MVP award not too long ago. Wagner did a good job of scoring around the rim when the ball came his way while also being his patented disruptive self on the defensive end of the floor as he frustrated Embiid throughout the game.
Josh Minott: C-
Minott has been peppered with questions about what his role will be on this new-look Nets team and while he didn’t play much against the Hornets, he got more time on the floor against Philadelphia. Minott struggled with his offense overall, but he made most of his value on the defensive end of the floor with his activity and athleticism in the passing lanes.
Danny Wolf: A
Wolf will likely be competing for minutes at the power forward spot and center position, but he’ll see more time on the floor if he’s able to distinguish himself within the frontcourt rotation. One way for him to do that is with his dribble and he did that against Philadelphia with the way he was able to get to the rim and use his size to finish at the basket with authority.
Chaney Johnson: A
Johnson showed plenty of his skillset this summer in the summer circuit, but it was eventually going to be time for him to show what he could do against starting-caliber NBA players. Johnson did a great job of scoring from all over the floor while also being able to apply pressure on the defensive end of the floor, both inside the paint and on the perimeter.
Drake Powell: C+
Powell is one of the younger players on the roster that has to show that he’s ready to take some kind of leap in his second year, even if that leap is going to take some time. Powell struggled with his offense, but he did a good job of filling the lanes whenever Brooklyn went on the fastbreak and he moved his feet well on the defensive end of the floor.
Nolan Traore: B
Traore has been the backup point guard over the past couple of games, but this could be the game where he showed that he should remain in that spot at the very least. Traore did a great job of scoring all over the floor and while his passing needs some work when it comes to an efficient assist-to-turnover ratio, his defense on the ball was encouraging to see.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets player grades after 114-108 win over LeBron James, 76ers