The Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks faced off in a thrilling Summer League game Tuesday afternoon in Las Vegas, showcasing promising talent and competitive spirit. The Nets leaned on standout player Drew Timme, whose impressive performance featured prominently despite the team’s narrow loss to the Knicks.
Brooklyn Nets’ Starting Lineup and Early Game Dynamics
Under head coach Steve Hetzel, the Nets began with a starting five that included rookie guard Ben Saraf and third-year guard Caleb Daniels. Nolan Traore, the No. 19 draft pick, took on a starting role away from his usual wing position, while undrafted rookie Grant Nelson also saw action alongside Timme. Early in the game, Saraf made an immediate impact by scoring seven points, but his offense stalled throughout the rest of the first half. Meanwhile, Drew Timme found it difficult to establish momentum during the initial period.
For the Knicks, second-year guard MarJon Beauchamp quickly emerged as a key contributor, scoring 20 points and recording two steals in the first half. His aggressive play, combined with contributions from teammates, kept New York slightly ahead at halftime, with the Nets trailing by just two points. Caleb Daniels nearly reached a double-double, and Grant Nelson was active on the boards, helping Brooklyn stay competitive despite a sluggish start from some players.
Knicks Extend Their Lead in the Second Half
The Knicks increased their intensity after halftime, steadily improving their lead to double digits. Beauchamp continued his strong scoring output, supported notably by Luka Scuka off the bench. The Knicks kept their offensive push in the fourth quarter, surpassing 90 points for the first time in this year’s Summer League. Kolek matched Beauchamp’s 25-point tally and added four steals, bolstering the Knicks’ defense and overall performance.
Timme’s Late Rally Highlights Nets’ Effort
Despite the growing deficit, Drew Timme fought back late in the game, reducing the Knicks’ lead to a single-digit margin. His determination culminated in a solid double-double, finishing with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Timme’s late surge underscored his value and potential as a rising star for the Nets.
Nets Struggle with Perimeter Shooting
Brooklyn’s offense faltered from beyond the arc, as the team shot just five for 25 on three-point attempts. The poor shooting was a major factor in the Nets’ defeat and drew criticism, especially considering the team’s focus on acquiring playmaking guards in the recent draft. Improving perimeter accuracy will be vital for the Nets moving forward in the Summer League and into their regular season preparations.
Looking Forward: Nets Aim to Bounce Back Against Orlando
With their final Summer League game approaching against the Orlando Magic, the Brooklyn Nets will aim to build on the positives from this close contest. The team’s focus will be on improving shooting efficiency and continuing strong efforts from players like Timme and Daniels. Securing a victory in their last outing in Las Vegas remains a key goal for the Nets as they strive to demonstrate growth and resilience.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Drew Timme’s salary?
A. Drew Timme agreed to a two-year contract worth $2,068,432 with the Brooklyn Nets. It includes $113,055 in guaranteed money. His average yearly salary is $1,034,216. In the 2025-26 season, he will receive a base salary of $1,955,377, which is also his cap hit amount for that year.