Knicks Secure First Summer League Victory
The New York Knicks achieved their inaugural victory in the Las Vegas Summer League, narrowly defeating the Brooklyn Nets with a score of 97-93 on Tuesday night, marking a significant clash between the New York rivals.
Key Player Performances
Several key players made notable contributions to the Knicks’ success. Tyler Kolek, who had struggled in previous games, erupted for 25 points, showcasing his versatility with four assists and four steals while connecting on 5-of-12 shots from beyond the arc, predominantly during a captivating first half. MarJon Beauchamp matched Kolek’s scoring output, contributing 25 points of his own with aggressive plays that resulted in 7-for-17 shooting. In contrast, Kevin McCullar Jr. and Pacome Dadiet were absent due to injuries, forcing others to step up in supporting roles.
On the opposing side, Brooklyn’s Drew Timme emerged as a standout performer, finishing the game with a double-double—24 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Caleb Daniels added 16 points and nine rebounds, while Quincy Olivari also brought in 16 points to bolster the Nets’ effort.
Game Highlights
The Knicks started strong, with Kolek quickly finding his rhythm by sinking several three-pointers and executing a smooth euro-step transition move, accumulating 14 points, two assists, three steals and no turnovers during a productive first quarter that saw New York take a 24-21 lead.
With first-round pick Egor Demin sidelined, rookie guard Ben Saraf seized the opportunity, contributing seven points and two steals early on. Kolek continued to sculpt the game, finishing the first half with 23 points and orchestrating the offense through precise cross-court passes and decisive shooting, maintaining a narrow lead of 41-39 at halftime.
As the third quarter began, Beauchamp took charge, scoring nine points through a combination of a three-pointer, a floater, and a steal that resulted in free throws. Despite shooting woes, the Nets fought back on the boards to stay competitive, but the Knicks responded with a significant 14-2 scoring streak late in the quarter, closing it out with a 69-60 edge thanks to an alley-oop from Beauchamp to Scuka.
Even when Kolek’s scoring intensity waned in the final period, New York’s offense persisted, with highlights including a fierce drive from Mohamed Diawara that led to an assist for an and-one play with Nnaji. As Brooklyn attempted to reduce the deficit in the final minutes, the Knicks secured their win through solid defensive plays and clutch free-throw shooting.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, New York will conclude their Summer League participation with a game against the Indiana Pacers scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.
