NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets (12-27) came into Friday’s game against the Chicago Bulls (19-22) on a five-game losing streak, but every game presents a new chance to starting a winning streak. Brooklyn had a disappointing three-game road trip where they weren’t able to close despite having a lead, but they found a way to get the job done against Chicago.

The Nets beat the Bulls 112-109 despite blowing a 20-point lead as they drew up the right play to get the ball in the hands of their best scorer to seal the win for a team that desperately needed it. Forward Michael Porter Jr. had 26 points (including the game-winning bucket) and seven rebounds while forward Noah Clowney bounced back to the tune of 23 points and 11 rebounds.

From the beginning, Brooklyn had a tough time defending Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, who finished with 19 points and six rebounds, but Chicago came to life in the second half as they shot 56.5% from the field and put up 18 fastbreak points. Ultimately, the Nets found a way to win this game down the stretch so here are the Nets player grades following Friday’s win over the Bulls:

Egor Demin: C-

Demin struggled shooting the three-pointer in this one as he didn’t get too many looks from behind the three-point line and he was never able to get much of a rhythm. Demin did a good job of taking care of the basketball when the ball was in his hands and he played solid defense on his man throughout the game. One would have liked to see hi more involved on the offensive end of the floor.

Drake Powell: C

Powell struggled with his shot against the Bulls as he couldn’t find many opportunities to get open looks against Chicago’s vulnerable defense and that was disappointing to see from the rookie. Powell did a good job of passing the ball and handling the offense without turning the ball over while playing solid defense. However, his offense left something to be desired.

Michael Porter Jr.: A

Porter was solid scoring the ball against Chicago once he started to settle into the game and stopped forcing some of the bad shots that he put up to begin the game. Porter did a good job of mixing up his shot diet to keep his defender on his toes and he made to contribute rebounding the ball as well. Porter hasn’t been his explosive scoring self lately, but as long as he is efficient, Brooklyn has a good chance to win games.

Noah Clowney: A

This was one of Clowney’s best games of the season as he couldn’t miss from three-point land while also doing a great job of attacking the rim, especially against Matas Buzelis. Clowney had his entire offensive game working for him as he got to the free-throw line when he wasn’t able to finish at the rim and he maintained his presence on the boards as well.

Nic Claxton: A

Claxton didn’t score a lot of points in this one, but he didn’t need to given his effort on the glass and on the defensive end of the floor throughout his time on the floor. To be clear, Claxton was efficient shooting the ball at the rim, but he essentially grabbed every rebound that came his way, even when the Bulls started shooting the ball better in the second half.

Danny Wolf: B+

Wolf had one of his best games in quite some time as he had his three-point shot falling while still being able to get to the rim and finish against Chicago’s backline. Wolf’s shooting has come and gone since he earned a regular role in the rotation, but his effort rebounding the ball and using his vision to find his open teammates made him more valuable during his minutes off the bench.

Day’Ron Sharpe: B

Sharpe had another solid performance off the bench as he was a problem once he got the ball in the paint and he was once again a load for the Bulls to handle. Sharpe didn’t pull down every rebound, his teammate Nic Claxton handled that, but he still grabbed his fair share of rebounds while showing off his passing chops within the flow of the offense.

Terance Mann: C+

Mann continued in his role coming off the bench, but he was solid during his minutes on the floor as he was efficient shooting the ball from all over the floor. Mann represents that steady veteran presence for the Nets so he doesn’t get too excited or too down on himself and that affect has had an impact on the rest of his teammates, especially the younger players.

Cam Thomas: C

Thomas struggled shooting the ball overall, even though he was efficient shooting the ball from behind the three-point line, but he had trouble getting many open looks while leading the second unit. Thomas has done a good job of adjusting to his role as the sixth man scoring guard, but he has also shown his willingness to create for his teammates after drawing the second defender.

Nolan Traore: B

Traore once again struggled shooting the ball overall from the field, but he was efficient shooting the ball from behind the three-point line when he was open and ready to shoot. Despite his relative struggles, Traore closed the game instead of Egor Demin as head coach Jordi Fernandez saw that Traore had more confidence in his ball-handling and decision-making down the stretch of a tough game.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets player grades: Michael Porter Jr. drops 26 in close win vs. Bulls

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