​The Knicks opened their 2026 NBA Summer League slate against the Nets on Friday night in Las Vegas, but most of New York’s roster didn’t quite match the level of play you’d expect. Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Nickel stood out among a broader group that struggled to find a consistent rhythm. Dadiet, entering his third pro season, finished with 20 points on 6-for-16 shooting, seven rebounds and one steal in 21 minutes. It was his first-half surge, however, that helped keep the game within reach, as the French forward poured in nine points on 3-for-7 shooting during the first two quarters.
Tyler Nickel contributed a strong two-way performance, finishing with 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting, including 6-for-10 from beyond the arc, in 12 minutes of action. He added four rebounds in the first half, providing a spark for New York as the Nets’ defense tried to weather the early storm. Nickel’s efficiency from long range was a bright spot for the Knicks, underscoring why he’s viewed as a potential breakout guard in this summer league setting.
In contrast, Mohamed Diawara, another notable Knick aiming to carve out a role in his second season, had a rough night. Diawara logged 13 minutes and only scored five points on 1-for-7 shooting, finishing minus-19 at halftime. He remained scoreless after the break, finishing the game with seven points on 1-for-9 shooting and six rebounds. The night highlighted the challenges Diawara faced against seasoned summer league competition, as his offensive rhythm never fully took hold.
Other members of the starting group contributed modestly but failed to impact the scoreboard consistently. Liam Robbins added four points and four rebounds in 16 minutes; Dillon Jones supplied six points, three rebounds, four assists, and three steals over 23 minutes; and Jaden Akins posted two points and two assists in 21 minutes. Collectively, the Knicks’ starting five didn’t produce enough to keep pace with Brooklyn’s more polished approach.
Brooklyn’s side offered a markedly different story. The Nets benefited from a dynamic first half led by their star rookie from last season, Egor Demin, who tallied 15 points on 6-for-13 shooting in the opening 20 minutes. Demin’s presenceset a tone for Brooklyn, and the Nets would eventually lean on his scoring as the game unfolded. Danny Wolf, entering his second season, did not score across his 12 minutes but contributed five rebounds, and his plus-12 rating underscored his impact on the glass and defensive mindset.
No. 6 overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. showed his scoring potential by finishing with 20 points on 6-for-12 shooting, along with three assists, one rebound, and two steals in 22 minutes. He anchored Brooklyn’s backcourt with relentless drive and skill, making an immediate impression as a two-way contributor. Demin ended the night with 20 points, three rebounds, and two assists in 22 minutes, while Wolf added nine points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 21 minutes. Chaney Johnson contributed 11 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and four steals across 23 minutes, rounding out Brooklyn’s starting five. Powell contributed a late spark with one point and three rebounds in 21 minutes.
In the end, Brooklyn’s depth and efficiency proved too much for the Knicks, who walked away with a tougher lesson on what it takes to compete at a high level in summer league. For New York, the game served as both a measurement of current talent and a scouting snapshot for what the Knicks will look to improve as they evaluate players throughout the remainder of the summer league schedule.