Nets player grades: Kevin Durant, Seth Curry lead Brooklyn to win Clippers

The Brooklyn Nets visited the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com arena on Saturday after beating the rival New York Knicks on Wednesday. Nets Forward Kevin Durant had another great game as he scored 27 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out six assists.

Nets guard Seth Curry had a great game off the bench when the team needed it the most. Curry netted 22 points and was a plus-12 in his time on the floor.

Nets center Nic Claxton had a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds while doing what he could to limit Clippers center Ivica Zubac’s impact on the game.

The game was pretty evenly contested through three quarters as Brooklyn led 75-71. The fourth quarter is where the Nets made their hay as they outscored the Clippers 35-24 in the period as Los Angeles was clanking shots towards the end.

Here are the player grades for the Nets’ huge win over the Clippers:

Kevin Durant: A

Durant was everywhere as he also had two steals and two blocks in another impressive effort on defense. Durant’s defense on Clippers forward Paul George was crucial as Durant’s length bothered George on several drives to the rim that helped in Durant being +16 during his time on the floor.

Joe Harris: C

Harris’ main job for the Brooklyn Nets is to space the floor and hit perimeter shots. He didn’t do much of that tonight as he missed four of his six shots from the field, but he provided some of the little plays that help the offense run smoothly. Harris also gave some effort on defense as indicated by his one steal.

Royce O'Neale: C+

O’Neale hasn’t been the formidable perimeter defender that he was in his early days with the Utah Jazz, but the Nets have needed the outside shooting that he provides every game. O’Neale didn’t shoot well tonight, but he did play some crucial defense on George when Durant got switched off in the pick-and-roll. O’Neale did hit a dagger three towards the end of the game.

Nic Claxton: B

Claxton has been playing well all season and that performance continued tonight. In addition to his double-double, Claxton did his best to limit Zubac in the paint despite the size difference between the two. Claxton was able to bring energy while on the floor and was able to use his length to bother Zubac at times.

Edmond Sumner: B

Sumner has been a revelation for the Nets. Not only is he starting in the wake of Kyrie Irving’s suspension, but Sumner is making the most of this opportunity. Sumner had several great defensive plays against the Clippers and was great at moving the ball to shooters like Durant and Curry.

Ben Simmons: D

Simmons played only 14 minutes and it seems that the Nets operate better with Simmons as the lone big on the floor. Simmons had five rebounds and three assists, but you can tell that he needs to play near the basket in order to be effective on offense until he gets his confidence back.

Seth Curry: A

Curry looks to be rounding into shape after he spent the early part of this season dealing with his troublesome ankle. Shooters shoot and Curry looked like his brother Steph by making four threes and helping Durant with the scoring load.

Cam Thomas: D

Thomas is usually a microwave when he comes off the bench, but tonight wasn’t his night. He made one of six shots for four points, but he helped keep the Nets in the game while Curry and Durant were resting. Thomas will have more chances to heat up.

Patty Mills: C-

Mills had his typical game by making a couple of threes and helping to space the floor. It looks like he didn’t get much time because of the Clippers length within the starting lineup and off the bench. Mills gave his typical hustle, but his size limited his impact against the Clippers.

Story originally appeared on Nets Wire