The Brooklyn Nets (0-4) were hoping to finally end the wait for their first win of the 2026-27 NBA season, especially after playing in two games that they reasonable could have won if a few plays went their way. Brooklyn had one of their toughest matchups of the season at the Boston Celtics (3-1), but the Nets weren't able to close the deal in the end.

The Nets lost to the Celtics on Tuesday 125-124 in overtime due to a few plays not going their way in the extra five minutes after almost losing the game in regulation. Forward Michael Porter Jr. finished the game with 27 points and 12 rebounds while forward Julius Randle had 24 points and nine rebounds in his effort to keep the team in the game before he fouled out.

The Celtics were playing on the second night of a back-to-back, but forward Jayson Tatum was able to keep his team in it with 40 points and eight assists, including the buzzer-beating game-winner. At the end of the game, the Nets did all they could to get their first win on the road against a tough Celtics team, but they're still unable to get over the hump.

Here are the Nets player grades following Tuesday's loss in Boston:

Nolan Traore: B+

Traore made his first start of the season with head coach Jordi Fernandez choosing to insert him into the lineup to replace Keon Ellis, who had been starting next to Egor Demin. Traore had his best game of the season to date as he was able to get into the paint at will against any of Boston's defenders and he competed hard on the defensive end of the floor.

Egor Demin: Incomplete

Demin struggled with his shooting in this one, but he also didn't get many shot attempts up due to how well Traore and Porter were scoring the ball in the first half. Unfortunately for the entire team, Demin came out of the game towards the end of the first half with a limp that the team later said was a right leg contusion. The hope is that this injury isn't a long-term one.

Michael Porter Jr.: A

Porter did a great job of scoring the ball as he was able to operate within his sweet spots at all three levels while also being able to get to the free-throw line. Porter not only did his job scoring and shooting the ball, but he also made sure to be a presence in the rebounding phase of the game, something that he has said he needed to get back to after the slow start to the season in that regard.

Julius Randle: B

Randle struggled with his shooting in this one as he tried to do what he could to score against Boston's set defense, but the Celtics did a good job of making him have to operate against multiple players in the paint. Randle also struggled with his three-point shot, but he was a presence on the glass and he was disruptive on the defense by using his hands to pick up some steals.

Day'Ron Sharpe: C+

Sharpe did a good job of scoring around the rim when the ball came his way, but with the Celtics forcing the Nets to beat them from the outside, the big man wasn't able to get many open looks close to the basket. Sharpe did a good job of rebounding the ball and establishing his presence at the rim, but he has to eventually figure out how to stay out of foul trouble.

Noah Clowney: D

Clowney saw some playing time in this one and he probably played more than he would have due to Demin exiting this game early with a right leg contusion. Clowney didn't make much of an impact on either end of the floor, but his altercation with Mitchell Robinson showed that he's willing to mix it up with anyone and won't be intimidated by physical play.

Chaney Johnson: B

Johnson continued his strong start to the season as one of Brooklyn's Two-Way players with his ability to score the ball all over the floor thanks to his improved skill from his rookie season. Johnson playing well isn't necessarily a surprise given how he played to end last season and at the risk of repeating something that has been said multiple times, his effort has been outstanding to watch.

Mo Wagner: A

Wagner has been having a slow start to the season as he hasn't been able to consistently spread the floor for players like Julius Randle and Nolan Traore to get to the rim. However, this was one of Wagner's better games as his shot was falling from all over the floor and he was able to come down with more rebounds despite going against Boston's group of centers.

Keon Ellis: B-

Ellis came off the bench in this matchup with Fernandez deciding to insert Traore into the starting lineup, but the veteran did not let that go to him as he still played his game despite the tough shooting night. Ellis did a great job of passing the ball and while it is always an unforgivable role, he did a good job of making offense hard to come by for players like Derrick White and Paul George.

Mikel Brown Jr.: B+

Brown struggled with his shooting in this one, but the rookie's confidence never wavered as he continued to attack the Celtics' defense despite some of the tough misses. Brown did a good job of getting on the glass as one of the guards and he did a great job of passing the ball without turning it over. His off-ball defense will need some work, but he had a solid outing off the bench. The rookie came up with some huge plays in the fourth quarter and overtime, but made a rookie mistake in overtime that appeared to change their first win of the season into their fourth-straight loss.