Nets player grades: Cam Johnson scores 23 in 115-113 loss to Celtics

Mar 15, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) warms up before a game against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets (22-45) had a disappointing road trip that saw them drop games that they could've won as they're trying to have a chance at the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. With the Boston Celtics (49-19) coming to town on the second night of a back-to-back, Brooklyn had an opportunity to get a win over one of the best teams in the NBA.

Unfortunately, the Nets were not able to achieve their desired result as they lost to the Celtics 115-113 in which Brooklyn was able to come back from a 21-point deficit to make the game interesting in the end. Cam Johnson did his part to will his team to victory as he poured in 23 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists while Keon Johnson filled in admirably for Cam Thomas by dropping 21 points and six rebounds.

The reason why Brooklyn had a shot of winning the game is because of them limiting Jayson Tatum to just 20 points on 8-of-19 shooting from the field over the course of the game, giving them some leeway towards the winning the game. Here are the Nets player grades following Saturday's loss to the Celtics:

D'Angelo Russell: B

Russell had an uneven game for the Nets in this one as he shot the ball decently overall, but his three-point shot was off more than usual. Russell has not been efficient shooting the ball this season, but he has had moments where he found his rhythm and was able to make defenses pay for slacking off of him. Russell did a great job of getting to the free-throw line and setting up his teammates without turning the ball over.

Keon Johnson: A

Johnson had one of his best games of the season in this one as he seemingly had everything working on the offensive end of the floor. Johnson has always been able to drive to the basket, but his three-point shot was falling in this one and that allowed him to keep his defender honest all game long. Johnson has always been able to bring his athleticism and hustle to the floor, but he took that to another level against Boston.

Cam Johnson: A

Johnson struggled shooting the ball overall in this one, especially from three-point line as he couldn't find his rhythm all game long. Johnson could not get himself going from three-point land, but he did have some success driving to the rim and working in the mid-range against the Celtics' aggressive defense. Johnson contributed in other ways as he helped out in the rebounding department and he did a good job of setting up his teammates.

Ziaire Williams: A-

Williams did not do too much on the offensive end of the floor, but that was because he was primarily focused on guarding Jayson Tatum throughout the game. Williams was efficient on the offensive end as he was lights-out from three-point land despite not getting many shots over the course of the game. Williams did a decent job of guarding Tatum as he was able to frustrated Tatum at times when the two went against each other.

Day'Ron Sharpe: B+

Sharpe started this game in place of Nic Claxton, who the Nets rested for this matchup against the Celtics, and Sharpe played well in his new role. Sharpe did not get many looks on the offensive end of the floor as players like Keon Johnson and Maxwell Lewis had more success scoring the ball. Sharpe did run into some foul trouble early on in the game, but he found a way to play close to normal minutes for a starter as he showed some discipline on the defensive end.

Jalen Wilson: B

Wilson did a great job of scoring the ball off the bench, especially when the Nets needed him to produce given the amount of players out for this game for various reasons. Wilson had his game working all over the floor and while he shoot the three-pointer well, his work going to the basket was impressive considering that is the part of his game that is matchup-based for the most part.

Maxwell Lewis: A

Lewis came off the bench like a man on a mission as he was nearly perfect scoring the ball, including not missing from three-point land. Lewis does not play much coming off the bench for the Nets, but when he has played, he has shown the ability to make an impact on the offensive end of the floor, especially with his shooting. One thing that stood out was Lewis' athleticism as he looks to be getting more comfortable coming off his injury.

Tyrese Martin: C+

Martin had a solid game coming off the bench despite the fact that his overall shooting left a lot to be desired given how well he has been playing in March. Martin wasn't able to get his three-point shot to fall, but what he wasn't able to do with his scoring, he did with his passing by setting up his teammates. Martin will probably continue to see minutes as the point guard off the bench as this season comes to a close.

Reece Beekman: C

Beekman saw a decent amount of minutes in this one and while his offensive production was disappointing, there were some encouraging signs from him against one of the best teams in the league. Beekman did not shoot the ball well, but he did a good job of making the right pass at the wrong time within the offense and he held his own on the defensive end of the floor.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets player grades: Cam Johnson scores 23 in 115-113 loss to Celtics

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