Las Vegas Summer League Highlights Mikel Brown Jr.’s Performance
LAS VEGAS — In his debut at the Las Vegas Summer League, Mikel Brown Jr. had a rocky start but finished strong, showcasing some impressive plays on Friday night.
Teaming up with fellow guard Egor Demin, the Brooklyn Nets triumphed over the New York Knicks with a score of 91-65 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Both players led their team in scoring with 20 points each. However, it was Demin who set the tone early, while Brown came alive in the second half, contributing 16 points and drawing plenty of gasps from the crowd with his highlights.
“Watching my teammates hit open shots really inspires me, and I know how much work I’ve put in to reach this moment,” Brown said, reflecting on his debut. “You’ll hear those ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’—that’s just how I play.”
He further expressed his love for the game, adding, “I thrive on seeing my teammates succeed. When they do well, it just makes everything more enjoyable.”
Brown shot 6 for 12 overall, including 3 for 6 from beyond the arc. He also contributed three assists, two steals, and had a block to his name.
Demin commented on Brown’s talent, noting, “He has an innate ability to shoot and create his own opportunities. His quickness will create challenges for defenders, and he’s just getting started.” He also mentioned that it might take some time for Brown to adjust physically after his previous season.
Brown, however, was confident that his adaptation wouldn’t take long and played aggressive defense that ignited Brooklyn’s strong third-quarter performance.
The Nets began the second quarter down by a point but managed to gain a halftime lead of 38-33. They dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Knicks 30-9 while limiting them to just two successful shots out of 15 attempts and forcing six turnovers. Brown’s contributions during that period included nine points and three assists, really opening up the game.
Having been selected as the sixth overall pick, Brown felt encouraged by his abilities on the defensive end. “I believe I can hold my own. I don’t feel pressured,” he stated. “People might think I’m not ready for the physicality, but at the end of the day, nobody scores on me—that’s my mentality.”
In other news, Chaney Johnson had an effective game with 11 points and nine rebounds, while rookie Joshua Jefferson, who hasn’t practiced with the team, has been keeping in shape. After the recent trade involving Julius Randle that brought Jefferson to Brooklyn, coach Dutch Gailey expects him to debut on Saturday against Atlanta.
