Nets Player Grades: Cam Johnson Drops 22 in 114-104 Loss at Knicks
The Brooklyn Nets put up a valiant fight, but ultimately fell short in a 114-104 loss to the New York Knicks in their latest matchup. Despite the effort from their players, the Nets couldn’t overcome the Knicks’ balance and energy, particularly on the defensive end, where New York made crucial stops down the stretch.
For the Nets, Cam Johnson was the standout performer, scoring 22 points and showcasing his offensive skill set. However, the game also highlighted areas where the team needs improvement—both in execution and consistency. As the Nets continue to build their identity, individual performances like Johnson’s and contributions from others offer glimpses of potential, but it’s clear that the team still has room for growth to become a legitimate contender in the East.
Let’s break down the performance of the Brooklyn Nets’ players in this tough loss to their cross-town rivals, the Knicks.
Cam Johnson – A
Points: 22
Rebounds: 5
Assists: 2
Field Goals: 9-of-16
3PT: 4-of-7
Cam Johnson delivered a stellar performance in this game, easily being the brightest spot for the Brooklyn Nets. He was not only the team’s leading scorer, but his shooting efficiency was crucial in keeping the Nets in the game. Johnson finished with 22 points, shooting 9-of-16 from the field, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, showing off his lethal perimeter shooting.
The forward displayed a well-rounded offensive game, utilizing his size and athleticism to get to his spots on the floor, whether in catch-and-shoot situations or off the dribble. His ability to knock down shots from long range stretched the defense, and he also mixed in a few mid-range pull-ups that kept the Knicks’ defenders on their toes.
Johnson’s offensive consistency was essential for the Nets, especially when they struggled with ball movement and flow at times. However, as the game wore on, Johnson found himself largely isolated, and despite his individual success, the lack of sustained offensive rhythm for Brooklyn hurt them in key stretches.
While he had a solid outing on the boards, grabbing 5 rebounds, Johnson’s impact on defense was mixed. He had some solid possessions, using his length to contest shots, but he also struggled at times when defending quicker players off the dribble. Given the nature of the game, where the Knicks were able to get some crucial offensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities, Johnson’s defense could have been a bit sharper.
Overall, Johnson was the best player on the floor for Brooklyn, and his 22 points kept the Nets within striking distance for much of the game. He’s continuing to evolve as a key scorer for the team, and his shooting is becoming a consistent bright spot in the Nets’ offense.
Mikal Bridges – B-
Points: 19
Rebounds: 4
Assists: 3
Field Goals: 7-of-15
3PT: 1-of-4
Mikal Bridges had a decent outing, finishing with 19 points. He showed his usual energy on both ends of the court, but like the rest of the team, he lacked that extra gear when it came to closing out the game. While he scored efficiently for most of the game, particularly in the first half, Bridges wasn’t able to break through in the second half when the Knicks tightened their defense.
Defensively, Bridges had his moments, particularly when he was matched up with Knicks star Julius Randle or RJ Barrett. However, his defense wasn’t as disruptive as it has been in past games, and the Knicks’ forwards were able to exploit Brooklyn’s overall defensive lapses.
Offensively, Bridges has a smooth game, capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. But when the game was on the line, he couldn’t seem to find a way to push through and make a play to lift his team. His three-point shooting was also slightly off, and he wasn’t able to hit the big shots when they were needed most.
Bridges has the ability to take over games, but this was not one of his better performances. While his 19 points were solid, he struggled in key moments, and his playmaking could have been sharper. The Nets need more consistency from Bridges, especially in games like this where the team needs their star players to shine.
Nicolas Claxton – C
Points: 8
Rebounds: 9
Assists: 1
Field Goals: 4-of-6
3PT: 0-of-0
Nicolas Claxton had a solid, if unspectacular, performance in this game. He finished with 8 points and 9 rebounds, showing his typical energy on the boards and inside the paint. Claxton was active around the basket, using his length to finish a few lob passes and set solid screens for his teammates. However, his offensive impact was limited beyond that, and he struggled to make an impact on the game when the Nets needed scoring in the second half.
While his defensive presence in the paint was crucial for the Nets in limiting the Knicks’ inside scoring, Claxton found himself in foul trouble at various points of the game, which limited his time on the floor. His ability to stay on the court and contribute defensively is a key factor in Brooklyn’s success, but this game highlighted some of his inconsistency in terms of being able to stay on the floor in high-pressure moments.
Despite his 9 rebounds, Claxton wasn’t able to make much of a difference in terms of rim protection, and he couldn’t provide the same level of interior dominance that the Knicks’ frontcourt did with Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle. Overall, Claxton was somewhat ineffective offensively, and though he did his part on the glass, his lack of a dominant defensive presence hurt the Nets.
Spencer Dinwiddie – C
Points: 10
Rebounds: 2
Assists: 7
Field Goals: 4-of-10
3PT: 1-of-4
Spencer Dinwiddie’s night was marked by inconsistency, both in terms of his scoring and playmaking. He finished with 10 points and 7 assists, but his field goal percentage of 4-of-10 left a lot to be desired. Dinwiddie struggled to find his rhythm offensively, and while he was able to create for others, his own shot wasn’t falling as efficiently as usual.
Dinwiddie did show his playmaking ability, as he continued to facilitate Brooklyn’s offense with 7 assists. However, his inability to hit key shots in the fourth quarter, combined with his sporadic offensive production throughout the game, ultimately hindered the team. Defensively, Dinwiddie’s effort was typical, but he was occasionally caught out of position, which allowed the Knicks to score in transition or exploit mismatches.
While Dinwiddie has been one of the more reliable offensive players for the Nets this season, this game was a reminder that the team needs him to be more consistent, especially in games against rivals like the Knicks, where every possession counts.
Other Contributions
- Ben Simmons (D) had an underwhelming performance with only 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was largely ineffective offensively and wasn’t able to provide the defensive impact he’s known for. Simmons’ struggles continue to be a major concern for the Nets, as his inability to impact the game in meaningful ways was evident in this loss.
- Dorian Finney-Smith (C) had 7 points and was quiet for much of the game. He did his best on defense, but like the rest of the team, he struggled with the Knicks’ offensive schemes. The Nets need more from him as a versatile defender and a reliable shooter.
Team Performance
The Nets’ overall performance was marked by lapses in both offense and defense. While they had their moments, particularly with Johnson and Bridges, they couldn’t sustain any real momentum, especially in the second half. The Knicks were more balanced, with their defense tightening up in the latter stages, and their role players contributing when needed.
Brooklyn’s defense, which has been a problem throughout the season, continued to struggle in this game. They allowed the Knicks to shoot a high percentage from the field and were beaten on the boards, particularly on the offensive glass. The Nets’ lack of offensive flow and inability to execute in key moments ultimately led to their downfall.
Final Thoughts
While Cam Johnson put on a fantastic individual performance, the Brooklyn Nets fell short due to a lack of overall cohesion and timely execution. They will need more consistency from their key players, particularly Mikal Bridges, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Ben Simmons, if they hope to compete at a higher level in the Eastern Conference. This loss is a reminder that, despite individual brilliance, team basketball and defense are essential to securing wins against tough opponents like the Knicks.
