Knicks Struggle vs Nets in Summer League Opener

First Half Tilt Favors Nets

New York opened its 2026 NBA Summer League schedule in Las Vegas on Friday night, facing the Brooklyn Nets in a quick tune‑up before the regular season. Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Nickel provided the only reliable scoring bursts for the Knicks, but most of the rotation stayed silent. The French forward finished with 20 points on 6‑of‑16 shooting, while Nickel added 18 points including six triples.

Dadiet’s first half kept the game close, as he poured in nine of his points in the opening two quarters. Nickel also ignited the half with nine points on 3‑of‑6 shooting and four rebounds. Despite those contributions, the rest of the starting lineup struggled to generate momentum.

Star Turnovers and Low‑Output Performances

Mohamed Diawara, entering his second season, posted a dismal 5 points on 1‑of‑7 shooting and a minus‑19 rating at halftime. He finished with only seven points and a minus‑39 net rating over 23 minutes. Liam Robbins, Dillon Jones and Jaden Akins each logged double‑digit minutes but posted single‑digit point totals.

Robbins recorded four points, four rebounds and one assist in 16 minutes, while Jones added six points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals in 23 minutes. Akins chipped in two points and two assists in 21 minutes. The collective output left the Knicks searching for offensive consistency.

Nets Highlights

Egor Demin, Brooklyn’s star rookie from last year, dominated the opening half with 15 points on 6‑of‑13 shooting. He finished with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists in 22 minutes. Danny Wolf, now in his second season, contributed five rebounds in the first half and ended with nine points, eight rebounds and three assists.

Mikel Brown Jr., the Nets’ 2026 first‑round pick, erupted in the second half, posting 20 points on 6‑of‑12 shooting along with three assists, one rebound and two steals. Chaney Johnson added 11 points, nine rebounds, two assists and four steals, while Drake Powell logged just one point and three rebounds.

What This Means for the Knicks

The summer league showcase reveals depth concerns for New York, especially on the offensive end where only two players broke double‑digit scoring. Dadiet’s third‑year presence suggests he should be a reliable option, yet his shooting efficiency remains a work‑in‑progress. Diawara’s struggles signal the need for immediate improvement if the Knicks hope to compete next season.

Nickel’s three‑point prowess offers a ray of optimism, but the lack of secondary contributors could hinder a quick turnaround. Coach Thibs will likely use these early results to fine‑tune rotations and decide who stays or falls in preseason camps. The Nets’ balanced attack, highlighted by Demin’s resurgence and Brown’s rookie spark, sets a high bar for the Knicks’ upcoming preparations.