Back in the win column. The Nets cruised to a 115-83 victory over the Kings on Monday afternoon in Las Vegas. It was a particularly good game for the starting lineup, all who scored in double digits on better than 52 percent shooting. The Nets looked like the better team on both ends of the ball and that’s a major nod to coach Dutch Gaitley.
Watch
- Watch: YES Network, Gotham Sports, ESPNU.
- Who: Nets vs. Rockets
- When: Tip after 4:30 PM.
The Game
The Nets played some of their best ball all summer against the Kings on Tuesday, and that includes the California Classic. The ball was swinging around the perimeter,
players were diving after loose balls, and they simply manhandled a clearly weaker Kings team. Summer League can only be taken so serious, but this was a huge step in the right direction for the BK guys. We’ll see if the main attractions suit up in this one.
Otherwise, Egor Dëmin is offering plenty of optimism. He had a decent rookie season before being shut down and is excelling in Summer League.
From Ricky O’Donnell at the mothership:
“It’s time I fill out an apology form on Egor Demin. Ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, I named Demin one of the most overrated prospects in the class, and gave the Nets a D for his selection at No. 8 overall in my instant grades. My main arguments against Demin were that I didn’t think he could score efficiently inside or outside the arc, and I didn’t think he had the frame to play through contact on either end. Well! Demin massively improved as a shooter as a rookie, going from 27 percent from three and 69 percent from the foul line in college to 38.5 percent from three and 83.1 percent on free throws as a rookie. A year in an NBA strength and conditioning program helped his body quite a bit too, and he continues to show the gains he’s made during summer league. Demin scored 20 or more points in all three of his summer league games this year on 61 percent true shooting. He looks improved attacking the basket off the bounce, and he’s showing he can hit the defensive glass, too. The Nets have done a really good job developing Demin’s frame, and it’s paying off on both ends. Demin deserves a lot of credit himself for putting in the work to improve his jumper. I’m happy to be wrong about this one because Demin is a cool player with a fun skill set who should be a nice piece in Brooklyn’s rebuild for a long time.“
As the Nets continue their rebuild, young players exceeding expectations will go a long way in helping them get back to where they want to be. As Demin continues to get stronger and gain professional experience, his game will continue to progress and reach higher heights.
Player to watch: Mikel Brown Jr
Assuming he plays…
It’s been a fun summer for the newest Net. Over his first two games, Mikel Brown Jr is averaging 18 points and four assists on .522/.455/1.000 shooting splits. In addition to those numbers, the kid has put forth plenty of exciting moments that have Nets fans excited for what’s to come
Brown Jr has been one of the more pleasant surprises coming out of Summer League and is a player that has drawn tons of praise across the basketball landscape this month. Another good outing will only add to his run and help build anticipation as we transition into the Fall.
From the Vault
I’m always down to watch some random Hakeem Olajuwon highlights
More reading: The Dream Shake, SB Nation NBA
