Player grades from the Pacers’ woeful loss to the Nets

A-. On a night when few others looked in rhythm offensively, Tyrese was able to do something he doesn’t do very often, take over the game through relentless scoring. His 16 first-quarter points kept the game close when it could’ve gotten ugly early. He still leaves a lot to be desired on the defensive end, even against low-level NBA talent, but when you end the game with 35 points and 9 assists, you’re not the reason the team lost.</p><br /><p>. PG. Indiana Pacers. TYRESE HALIBURTON

C. A relatively average night for Buddy.  He scored 17 points on an efficient 58% from the field (50% from 3), but he also committed 3 turnovers, contributed to the Pacer’s sloppy first quarter. While no one would argue in favor of Hield as a shut-down defender, he, along with most of the team tonight, looked more like an open window than a brick wall.  -13 Plus/Minus on the night, worst on the team.. SG. Indiana Pacers. BUDDY HIELD

ANDREW NEMBHARD. B-. A quiet 5 points, and 7 assists for Nembhard tonight. His shot has slid back down to earth after his strong road trip, just 1 for 4 from 3 point-range tonight. His defense wasn’t as bad as the rest of the team.. Guard. Indiana Pacers

C. Teams have figured out the secret to making Jalen Smith miss shots; leave him as wide open as humanly possible. He did make 3 of his 8 attempts from deep, but those 5 misses were ugly. Brissett played better today, and Jalen Smith could only muster about 13 minutes of playing time as a result.  He ended with 13 points and a measly 3 rebounds. -8 Plus/Minus.. Forward. Indiana Pacers. JALEN SMITH

C. 16 points is a decent return for Myles, and he was efficient in scoring those points, but one of the main reasons the Pacers lost the game was because they shot the ball 15 more times than the Pacers. Turner only secured 3 rebounds, part of an abysmal team rebounding display.. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER

B. TJ had to be inserted into a first quarter that looked like it was being played by Zombies wearing blue and gold uniforms. He breathed life into the game with his trademarked relentless energy which helped him grab two steals off of inbounds passes. In the second half, he was a part of a group that couldn’t figure out how to break down the Nets’ zone defense. He finished with 6 points and 4 assists. +6 Plus/Minus. Guard. Indiana Pacers. TJ MCCONNELL

B. Nesmith continues to look more and more comfortable as the season progresses. After a strong showing in Friday’s win over the Wizards, Nesmith came in and gave the Pacers some solid defense, efficient shooting, and even some positive moments attacking the rim off the dribble. 12 points and a + 5 Plus/Minus isn’t too shabby off the bench.. Guard. Indiana Pacers. AARON NESMITH

B. For a time, Mathurin seemed to be the only player not named Tyrese who could find an offensive rhythm. He’s had better nights this year, but his most impressive attribute tonight was that he didn’t look like a rookie when other Pacers players did. Team high +12 Plus/Minus tonight.. Guard. Indiana Pacers. BENNEDICT MATHURIN

B-. Brissett’s minutes with Myles Turner tonight made the pair look like a very natural offensive fit. Oshae scored an efficient 14 points, hitting 3 from range, and he even had a few dangerous rim attacks off the bounce. Unfortunately, he was one of the worst perpetrators of the embarrassing team rebounding performance.  -1 Plus/Minus in 20 minutes.</p><br /><p>. Forward. Indiana Pacers. OSHAE BRISSETT

D. Another game, another time Isaiah Jackson seems to go missing. His recent form makes the idea of trading Turner look like a bunch of future L’s for the Pacers.. Center. Indiana Pacers. ISAIAH JACKSON

Next. B/R serves a no-brainer trade proposal for the Pacers. dark