LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets passes under pressure from Lance Ware #45 of the New York Knicks in the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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Anne Erickson

By Anne Erickson

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The Brooklyn Nets looked every bit like a team with a promising young rookie roster in their 91-65 Summer League victory over the New York Knicks. Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. didn't just share the scoring load. They took turns setting the tone, each finding his own way to leave a mark on the game.

Demin started things off. The former lottery pick, now entering his second Summer League after being selected by Brooklyn in 2025, wasted little time putting pressure on the Knicks. He got in 15 of his 20 points during the opening 20 minutes, giving the Nets an early offensive spark while playing with the confidence of someone who already knows what this stage feels like. After all, he does.

His outside shot wasn't perfect, finishing 3-for-9 from beyond the arc, but that never seemed to shake him. Demin added three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. It was the kind of all-around performance that's just what he needed.

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Brown took a different route to his 20-point night.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets passes under pressure from Lance Ware #45 of the New York Knicks in the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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The No. 6 overall pick in this year's draft needed a little time to settle in, which isn't unusual for a rookie seeing NBA competition for the first time. Then the second half arrived, and everything started clicking.

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Brown scored 18 of his 20 points after halftime, playing with more confidence as the game went on. Once he found his rhythm, he attacked decisively, made smart decisions and looked increasingly comfortable running the offense. He also had three assists and two steals.

Together, the duo combined for 40 points in a performance that offered an encouraging glimpse of what the Nets hope becomes their future.

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The 2026 NBA Summer League runs from July 9 through July 19 in Las Vegas, with all 30 NBA teams competing across 76 games at Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion.

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