The Brooklyn Nets have struggled, to say the least, during their 2022 Summer League tenure. While bucket getters such as Cam Thomas and David Duke Jr. performed well, the Nets have been out-worked and out-hustled by their respective opponents. That all changed on Thursday night, as Brooklyn finally bucked the trend against Minnesota.
First Half
Not surprisingly, the Nets got off to a fast start. With Thomas and Duke Jr playing with high energy from the opening tip, Brooklyn secured an early lead. In contrast to previous affairs, the team maintained an advantage throughout the entire first half. Day’Ron Sharpe, in particular, has been quite consistent for this group. His size in the paint, solid rebounding, and impressive offensive skills make him into a big man with loads of potential. Throughout the short season, these summer league Nets have come to rely on what he provides on both ends of the floor.
Speaking of which, Brooklyn clearly has an offensive star that they lean on every game. Cam Thomas was a wizard in the first half, knocking in a couple of late buckets to help take a double digit lead into halftime. His uncanny ability to create his own shot, in seemingly bizarre circumstances, is a unique trait that not many athletes possess. Heading into halftime, the Nets led 55-42.
Second Half
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Nets game if they didn’t make things interesting. Within just a couple of minutes, Minnesota closed the gap to just three points. After that lapse, though, Brooklyn got back on track. David Duke Jr. had a spectacular third quarter, scoring and facilitating with ease. His explosiveness, combined with stellar awareness makes Duke Jr into a valuable asset. Against the Timberwolves, he put that on full display. With twelve minutes left to play, the Nets led 79-67.
This time, Brooklyn did not let Minnesota creep back. Their defense stepped it up, forcing turnovers and poor possessions throughout the period. Duke Jr and Thomas took the game over entirely, knocking in bucket after bucket. With a few minutes left, the Timberwolves pulled their starters, as Brooklyn had full control. The Nets went on to win, dominating their way to a 102-83 victory.
Volume Scorers
So far, this year’s Summer League has been full of ups and downs for the Brooklyn Nets. One element that has been consistent, however, is their ability to score. Specifically, players such as Cam Thomas and David Duke Jr. have showcased their talents to rack up points in many different ways.
On top of that, Duke can create shots for other teammates. He finished the game with 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Pair that up with a young center like Sharpe, who can give you 20 and 10 on any night – and you’ve got some budding stars that can contribute to a championship-caliber team.
Final Thoughts
As Brooklyn prepares to wrap up their Summer League, keep an eye on David Duke Jr. We know Thomas can score, and it’s clear that Sharpe is capable of developing into a star. With that in mind, Duke looked very comfortable tonight, finding a rhythm in the flow. If he can continue to build upon his performances in the Summer League, he might just find himself on the Nets roster heading into this season. Only time will tell; but tonight was a phenomenal step in the right direction for multiple players on this squad.