NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets (1-6) had managed to do what they need to do in order to get their first win of the season on Sunday in a game where most of the circumstances favored them. On Monday, Brooklyn had one of their toughest challenges of the season as they visited the New York Knicks (3-4) and the Nets still have to learn to put up a fight for all four quarters.
The Nets lost to the Knicks 103-90 in a game where Brooklyn kept up with New York for the first three quarters, but they started to lose some steam in the fourth quarter and the Knicks took advantage. Forward Julius Randle finished the game with 21 points and 11 rebounds while forward Michael Porter Jr. had 18 points and five rebounds in the disappointing loss.
At the end of the third
quarter, the Nets led the Knicks 79-75, but in the fourth quarter, New York won the final period 28-11 thanks primarily to Brooklyn shooting just 18.8% from the field. The Nets were even with the Knicks in most of the statistical categories, but they were outrebounded 43-38 and New York won the fastbreak points battle 13-2.
Here are three takeaways for the Nets following Monday's loss to the Knicks:
Nolan Traore Is Showing Real Potential
Traore has been in the starting lineup for the past four games and while he still has plenty of room to grow, the second-year guard appears to be comfortable running the offense and trying to bend the defense. Against the Knicks, Traore had 17 points, three rebounds, and four assists while shooting 6-of-8 from the field and only turning the ball over twice in 24 minutes.
"OUI, OUI...TRAORE TO DAY DAY!" -Ian Eagle pic.twitter.com/qYTIRjyria
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 3, 2026
Julius Randle Continues Rough Shooting Stretch
While Randle was one of just six players in the NBA to average at least 21 points, seven rebounds, and five assists per game this season, his shooting percentages have taken a dip recently. After averaging 28.0 points per game while shooting 58.1% from the field through his first two games, Randle is averaging just 18.0 points per contest while shooting just 34.7% from the floor, including 5-of-16 Monday against the Knicks.
Big Julius 😤
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 3, 2026
One of six NBA players averaging 21+ PPG, 7+ RPG and 5+ APG this season. pic.twitter.com/Rj2cQs6I7H
Mikel Brown Jr. Looking More Comfortable As NBA Point Guard
As of this writing, Brown remains in an injury management program for his back and that was the reason that he didn't play against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. With that being said, Brown was able to face the Knicks on Monday and he finished the game with 13 points and three assists. While the rookie shot just 5-of-13 from the field and 1-of-8 from behind the three-point line, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez has plenty of faith in Brown.
"I think Mikel is a rock star. He's gonna keep taking steps. We always want him to be aggressive, but he has the responsibility to run the team, and that's a big deal," Fernandez said.
Mikel droppin' dimes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BiZujIKwe5
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 3, 2026
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 3 Nets takeaways from 103-90 loss to Jalen Brunson, Knicks
