After facing off against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, Brooklyn Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. got a shout-out from his mentor on Instagram on Sunday.
Brown met Mitchell as a junior in high school and has stayed close with the seven-time All-Star ever since, after they exchanged phone numbers. Mitchell has often praised him for his IQ and attention to detail while on the basketball court, making their first matchup meaningful for Brown.
Although it didn't quite go his way.
Mitchell produced 22 points, five rebounds and four assists to lead the Cavaliers to a 125-121 victory over Brown and the Nets Saturday at Rocket Arena. Brown finished with eight points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals off the bench.
Mitchell showing love
to Mikel 🫡 pic.twitter.com/n2wPGQmwD3
— The Brooklyn Way (@Jersey2Brooklyn) October 25, 2026
Brown was limited in training camp after a sprained left ankle sidelined him for the first three preseason games. He was eventually cleared to play in the preseason finale on Oct. 14, recording 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals in 18 minutes.
The sixth overall pick appeared in their first two regular-season games before sitting Sunday on the second night of a back-to-back set. He has been on a strict 20-minute restriction and will remain so for the foreseeable future, coach Jordi Fernández said Friday.
Brown has shown glimpses of what made him so highly touted out of Louisville in practice and games early on. He is anxious to receive full clearance to play and showcase his overall skill set and ability.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Donovan Mitchell salutes Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. after first matchup
