Knicks Edge Nets in Tight Summer League Showdown
Kolek and Beauchamp Power New York to First Win
The Las Vegas heat was matched by the intensity on the court as the New York Knicks secured a narrow 97-93 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA 2K26 Summer League. The hard-fought contest at Cox Pavilion saw momentum swing wildly, with ten ties and ten lead changes through the first 28 minutes.
Knicks Break Away in Second Half
New York established crucial separation with a decisive 7-0 run late in the third quarter, outscoring Brooklyn 28-21 in the period. This surge allowed the Knicks to seize a lead they would not relinquish for the remainder of the game, extending their advantage to as many as 13 points at various stages.
The Knicks showcased superior efficiency in key areas, converting 44% of their field goal attempts and an impressive 83% from the free-throw line. They also outreached the Nets in assists, dishing out 21 to Brooklyn’s 13. Defensively, New York limited the Nets to 20% shooting from beyond the arc.
Knicks’ Star Power Shines
Leading the charge for the Knicks was **Tyler Kolek**, who delivered a stellar performance with 25 points, four assists, and four steals. **MarJon Beauchamp** matched **Kolek’s** scoring output with 25 points of his own, adding five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. The Knicks’ bench also contributed significantly, with **Anton Watson** adding 12 points and three rebounds.
Nets Fall Despite Strong Efforts
Despite the loss, the Brooklyn Nets saw strong showings from several players. **Drew Timme** was a dominant force, recording 24 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. **Caleb Daniels** chipped in with 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals. **Ben Saraf** contributed 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while **Quincy Olivari** led the Nets’ bench with 16 points and two rebounds.
For the Nets, this loss marks an 0-3 start to the Summer League. Their next opportunity to break into the win column comes against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The Knicks, now 1-2, will look to build on their momentum when they face the Indiana Pacers on Thursday.
The NBA Summer League provides a crucial platform for developing talent, with many players aiming to secure spots on NBA rosters. In fact, last year’s Summer League saw an average of 11.8 players per NBA team either make their debut or increase their playing time significantly following the event, highlighting the stakes for these young athletes. ESPN (2024)