The Brooklyn Nets (26-55) had been given a wakeup call by head coach Jordi Fernandez following Thursday's 133-109 loss to the Atlanta Hawks about playing hard until the season is over. With Brooklyn going on its last road trip of the season, it was one last time for the team to prove its mettle at the Minnesota Timberwolves (48-33), but it just wasn't their game.
The Nets lost at the Timberwolves 117-91 after losing the first and third quarters by a combined 25 points due to how well Minnesota was playing on both ends of the floor. Keon Johnson led the way for the Nets with 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists while Trendon Watford had 15 points, eight rebounds, and four assists to help Brooklyn make some kind of comeback.
Rudy Gobert absolutely carried the Timberwolves in this one to the tune of 35 points and 11 rebounds as no one on the Nets was able to get between him and the basket without sending him to the free-throw line. Here are the Nets player grades following Friday's loss at the Timberwolves:
Reece Beekman: B-
Beekman showed a lot in this one as he coupled his scoring with his passing to give some indication that he could be a competent offensive player in the future. Beekman was effective from all ranges and his ability to stretch the floor will be where he has to improve the most, especially if he is going to see playing time for Brooklyn next season. He fouled more than he usually does, but part of that was due to him having to be the low man against Rudy Gobert and forcing him to go to the free-throw line instead of getting easy layups.
Keon Johnson: A
Johnson had one of his best all-around games of the season as he did his job scoring the ball, but he also showed significant growth in his ability to facilitate. Coming into the season, Johnson had spent most of his time as an off-the-ball guard, but in this one, he showed that he could handle some point-guard duties as well, especially in the pick-and-roll with Drew Timme.
Jalen Wilson: B+
Wilson did a good job of shooting the ball from three-point land and while his dribble-drive game still needs some work in the offseason, his ability to shoot the ball efficiently will open up those portions of his game. Being able to get to the rim or even within floater range will be key for Wilson to get to the free-throw line or get easier shots over the course of a game.
Trendon Watford: B+
Watford was effective getting into the lane and driving to the rim, even in the face of players like Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid defending the rim. Watford has been at his best for this team when the ball is in his hands and he can set up his man before getting to the basket and using his length to finish over the top. Watford was great on the glass once again and he did a good job of setting up his teammates for easy buckets when they were there.
