LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 14: Seth Trimble #55 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball against Boo Buie #20 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 14, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards will play the Los Angeles Clippers tomorrow night in the NBA Summer League. Let’s preview this one.
Game info
When: Wednesday, July 14 at about 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas
How to watch: ESPN, Monumental Sports Network
What to watch for
The Wizards are 2-1 in NBA Summer League action after losing to the Chicago Bulls just a few minutes ago. They will play against the Clippers, who will begin play the Los Angeles Lakers as of the time I’m writing this. LA is 1-1 before the Lakers game. Keaton Wagner is the No. 5 overall pick in the NBA draft but he won’t play against AJ Dybantsa, who is sitting out the rest of Summer League.
This game is effectively a chance for the reserve Summer League Wizards players to make a final impression before training camp contracts and potential Capital City Go-Go offers come out.
Still, I’d like to see the Wizards finish their first four games with a 3-1 record.
American League All-Stars third baseman Junior Caminero (13) of the Tampa Bay Rays is hit by a pitch in the third inning of the All-Star Game on July 14, 2026.
Rays fans can catch their breath — for now.
Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero exited Tuesday night’s All-Star Game in the top of the third inning after getting drilled on the left hand on a pitch from Cardinals right-hander Riley O’Brien.
Immediately after being hit with a 98-mph fastball from O’Brien, the American League All-Star fell to the ground as his helmet also came off.
Caminero remained on the ground in pain before popping up shortly after and walking off under his own power.
X-rays came back negative, and he is considered day-to-day, a good sign for the Rays.
“Yeah, in the moment I was just scared, right,” Caminero told reporters after the AL’s 4-0 win through an interpreter, according to MLB.com. “Kind of in that situation, right there in the moment, you’re thinking the worst, and I honestly thought something might have been broken. But look, thank you to God that everything’s fine, and now it’s just a little bit sore, but we’re all good.”
The Rays lead the AL East at 56-38 despite low expectations entering the season, and part of that reason is because of Caminero.
American League All-Stars third baseman Junior Caminero (13) of the Tampa Bay Rays is hit by a pitch in the third inning of the All-Star Game on July 14, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Caminero has been their offensive engine, as he’s hit 28 home runs and has a .927 OPS through 94 games.
The 23-year-old also took part in Monday night’s Home Run Derby and fell to eventual winner Jordan Walker in the semifinals.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards walks on the court during a break in the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game against the Utah Jazz at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Wizards fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week’s SB Nation Reacts survey is simple. Which rookie of the 2026-27 season will have the best NBA career? Vote below!
It’s the type of welcome you’d expect a rival crowd to give you.
And no, it wasn’t just for a player or coach.
At the MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, Phillies fans loudly booed Mr. and Mrs. Met as they were introduced and presented on the scoreboard.
In front of a sea of Phillies shirts and hats, Mrs. Met led the charge by walking on top of the first base dugout with her hands out wide.
Mr. & Mrs. Met receive loud boos as they’re introduced in Philadelphia for the All-Star Game pic.twitter.com/3qhYPDM3WA
Mr. Met followed, and it’s safe to say he had fun on top of the dugout — even if Philadelphia fans were jeering loudly.
Mr. Met crouched down and appeared to be doing pushups before pumping his fist.
Even if it seemed harsh, the welcome makes sense. The Mets and Phillies are longtime division rivals. The Phillies lead the all-time series 565-534-1, though the Mets won the only playoff series between the two teams during the 2024 NLDS.
New York Mets mascots Mr. Met and Mrs. Met walk the red carpet during the All-Star Red Carpet Show at Independence Mall. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This season, the rivalry has swung in the Phillies’ favor, as they lead the season series 4-2, which includes a convincing 15-3 win on June 20.
In addition to booing Mr. and Mrs. Met, attendees booed Juan Soto, who’s been in the National League East for the majority of his career, starting with the Nationals and now with the Mets.
Fans also booed the contingent from the rival Braves when they were introduced, and even chirped at Jordan Walker, who won the Home Run Derby in a thriller over Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber on Monday.
Mr. Met flexes his muscles to the booing Philadelphia fans before the start of the All-Star Game. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Juan Soto receives his boos as he’s introduced at the All-Star Game in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/g9LtO0hqgz
Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez fittingly got the start for the NL, but yielded three runs in the first inning, courtesy of singles from Yankees stars Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice.
PHILADELPHIA — Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero was struck on the left hand by a pitch from St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien in the top of the third inning and was immediately removed from the 96th All-Star Game, but appears to have avoided injury.
X-rays were negative, and Caminero said he will play Friday, when the Rays open the second half with a doubleheader at Boston.
O'Brien's 97.6 mph sinker came on the second pitch of the at-bat and hit Caminero on the outside of his left hand. He immediately sprawled on the ground, stayed down for a minute and then bounced up and jogged into the American League dugout.
"I'm fine. Thank God nothing is broken," Caminero said via a translator in the middle innings of Tuesday's game. "I was just scared."
O'Brien was with Caminero in the AL clubhouse when Caminero received his X-ray results.
American League and Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said he texted his Tampa Bay counterpart Kevin Cash with Caminero's test results, relieved one of the league's greatest players seemingly dodged a bullet.
"That's the last thing anyone wants to see," Schneider said after the AL's 4-0 victory. "I know X-rays on Junior's pinky were negative, and everything seems to be okay. I shot Kevin Cash a text right after that happened, and he was appreciative of that.
"We'll see them in about a week, so I hope Junior is all right. He's an unbelievable baseball player and even better person. You're trying to do what's right by everyone."
Caminero, 23, made his second consecutive All-Star appearance and hit 28 home runs before the All-Star break. O'Brien saved 24 first-half games for St. Louis.
PHILADELPHIA — In the early going of Tuesday’s All-Star Game, the Yankees were outscoring the National League, 3-0.
After a pregame ceremony heavy on pageantry and patriotism at Citizens Bank Park, the American League got to bat and rallied immediately against Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez, with run-scoring knocks courtesy of Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice.
Sánchez got into trouble quickly, watching Yordan Álvarez shoot a one-out single through the middle and walking Shea Langeliers, the pair then advancing a base on a ball Junior Caminero chopped into the ground.
After a Bobby Witt Jr. walk, the bases were loaded with two outs and the stage set for a couple of Yankees hitters to inflict some left-on-left damage.
Bellinger, excellent against southpaws, smacked a single through the middle to score two.
American League All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger (35) of the New York Yankees hits a two-run single on July 14, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg/New York PostNew York Yankees first baseman Benjamin Rice (22) reacts after hitting a RBI single during the first inning for the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Two pitches later, Rice singled to virtually the same spot to score one more, the two accounting for the three runs the AL would plate in the inning.
Sánchez only allowed more than two earned runs in four of his 20 starts this season.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns blocks the shot during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on July 13, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Coming into Phoenix Suns Summer League, there were conversations about the potential concern that would exist if, by this time next year, we hadn’t seen meaningful progression from second-year lottery pick Khaman Maluach. After three games in Las Vegas, I don’t think there’s much reason to worry about a lack of progression anymore.
Yes, this is Summer League, and it’s easy to overreact. But if we’re looking at this simply through the lens of progression, evaluating whether a player is displaying better physical tools and a stronger mental understanding of where he needs to be on the court, how he should attack offensively, how he should defend, and how he can become more effective, it feels like Maluach has passed this segment of the test. If you have two eyes and a heartbeat, you can’t help but get excited about what we’ve seen thus far in Las Vegas. Maluach is averaging 18.3 points, 12 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. Oh, and he’s shooting 40% from deep on five attempts per game.
And it’s not only the counting stats that look nice. It’s the manner in which he’s playing the game. He’s doing so with an energy and fervor that are palpable. He’s yelling at players after denying their shots at the cylinder. As a back-line defender, he’s communicating with his teammates, directing traffic and letting them know where they need to be.
When it’s all said and done, after playing a tough, gritty, physical game, Maluach remains insightful in his observations and thoughtful about where he stands relative to his progression.
“It’s really important, by taking care of every rep and not taking any rep for granted,” Khaman said after his performance in the Suns’ 95-88 win over the Bucks on Monday night. “It’s a process, my time eventually will come, and I just gotta be ready for the opportunity that I don’t have rather than having an opportunity, and I’m ready for it.”
He’s 19, man. Damn, that was eloquently put. Forgive me as I take a few moments to gameplan how I am going to repair the wall I just ran through.
To see this progression is heartwarming for multiple reasons. First, he’s the kind of player you root for. Ever since the Phoenix Suns drafted him 10th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, it was clear that he was an intelligent, insightful, interesting human being. He’s the kind of player you want to see succeed because you want to see the character he displays as a person rewarded on the basketball court.
Second, the Suns have a dire need for a big man. It’s been five years since we’ve seen any semblance of dominance on the interior, dating back to that stretch when Deandre Ayton displayed his potential, if only for a fleeting moment. Alas, the motor wasn’t there. Certainly not in the same capacity that Maluach has displayed thus far this summer. And when you see opposing Summer League teams gameplan specifically to stop him, you ponder when the last time we witnessed that. Shaq?
As we slowly begin looking toward the horizon and wondering who the cornerstones of this organization could be five years from now, having a dominant big man would sure be nice. That’s why this progression matters. If Maluach is ever going to reach cornerstone status, he has to start crossing lines of demarcation along the way. What he’s doing in Las Vegas thus far feels like one of them, and it aligns with the potential we’ve been waiting to see.
What the future holds remains to be seen, and one thing to be cognizant of is that the Suns are not a center-centric offense schematically. What Maluach is doing in Las Vegas should not be expected to immediately translate to the big league club. When opportunities arise next season, he’ll operate within a different role, one where his ability to rebound and defend will be more valuable than his ability to score. Perhaps that’s what has made this run in Las Vegas so enjoyable. We’re getting a glimpse of the offensive potential he possesses within a system that’s allowing him to flourish.
The Phoenix Suns coaching staff is certainly taking note of what he can do, and perhaps, when the time is appropriate, they’ll adjust aspects of the system to better accommodate Maluach’s abilities.
Watching him in the Summer League has been an absolute joy. Because of the way he plays. Because of how hard he plays. Because he’s putting up impressive counting stats, but more importantly, because you can see the impact he has on the court and on his teammates. He’s 19 years old and already appears to possess leadership qualities that are difficult to teach. As for any concerns relative to his progression? At this point, I have none.
Perhaps that’s an overreaction fueled by the excitement I’ve felt watching Maluach play in Summer League. But right now, he’s hitting the checkpoints I hoped to see, and he’s passing this segment of the test with flying colors.
The future appears bright in Phoenix based on the organization’s recent drafts. The real challenge begins when the regular season arrives and the Suns have to find minutes for these young players, giving them opportunities to continue their upward trajectories while balancing the need to remain competitive. That’s why Jordan Ott gets paid the big bucks. I simply write about what he does.
It isn't exactly a secret that the Montreal Canadiens could use help at the center position. Their second-line center spot, in particular, is in need of an upgrade.
Because of this, the Canadiens are now being viewed as a potential fit for one of the NHL's most interesting center trade candidates.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Lyle Richardson named the Canadiens among the potential landing spots for Seattle Kraken young center Shane Wright.
"The Canadiens have reportedly pursued wingers Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets" Richardson wrote. "Nevertheless, the Canadiens could change their minds if their pursuit of those wingers proves fruitless, perhaps enough to consider circling back on Wright after passing him over four years ago."
With the Canadiens needing help down the middle, it would be understandable if they made a push for Wright. While the 22-year-old has not broken out as a true top-six center at this point in his career, he is still plenty young enough where that could change.
Wright also already has a solid offensive NHL season on his resume. In 79 games during the 2024-25 season with the Kraken, he set career highs with 19 goals, 25 assists, and 44 points. While he followed that up by recording just 12 goals and 27 points in 74 games last season, he has the potential to turn things back around.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Canadiens make a run at Wright. He could be a great fit on a young, exciting team on the rise like the Habs.
Philadelphia fans embraced Mike Trout like one of their own at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
The event serves as a homecoming of sorts for the Los Angeles Angels star. The three-time MVP is a New Jersey native but has deep ties to Philadelphia, which is located 45 miles south of his hometown.
Trout received a loud ovation from the crowd as he was introduced before the Midsummer Classic.
A nice cheer for Mike Trout as he makes his return to the All-Star Game!
"It's been everything," Trout said about this All-Star experience during a pregame interview on the broadcast. "… Philly is a special place, it's where I grew up and it's awesome."
Trout served as the American League's leadoff hitter but struck out in his first at-bat against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez.
Among those in the crowd cheering for Trout were his friends and family.
It was Trout's first All-Star Game appearance since 2019, allowing his two sons, Beckham Aaron and Jordy Michael, to watch him play in the event.
Trout was named as an All-Star for the 12th time in his career. He was selected eight consecutive times from 2012 through 2019.
Where to watch the 2026 MLB All-Star Game
The festivities continue in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 14 with the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals defeated Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber to claim the title of Home Run King on Monday night.
USA TODAY at MLB All-Star Game
The 2026 Midsummer Classic has arrived, and USA TODAY will have reporters on the ground in Philadelphia and at home eager to deliver the goods. From media day and the Home Run Derby, to the red carpet and All-Star Game, we'll have everything covered.
Paul Skenes might not be pitching in the All-Star Game, but that didn’t stop him from getting dressed up – with his girlfriend, Olivia “Livvy” Dunne.
Skenes, who was selected to be an All-Star but won’t pitch due to his schedule, posed in an Instagram selfie with Dunne — and on the red carpet — wearing a blue suit, blue pants, a white shirt and a dark blue tie.
He was pictured next to Dunne, who donned a black and blue dress.
Dunne held a blue bag in her selfie, which was captioned: “throwing a fit.”
While being interviewed by reporters on Tuesday, Skenes talked more about his outfit, talking about his alligator boots and an American flag on his tie.
Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne pose together before the MLB All-Star Game. livvydunne/Instagram
Dunne, who said she’s wearing Miss Rosier, added she hoped to match Skenes and that he always wears red, white or blue and is a “Patriot.”
Skenes and Dunne have been together since 2023, when they met while attending LSU.
Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Livvy Dunne attend the 2026 MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show. Getty Images
Skenes’ baseball career has forced their relationship to be long-distance at times, but Dunne said they’ve remained close.
“I mean, he makes time to come to my events,” Dunne told People in March. “I make time to go watch him pitch. I try to make every start I can.”
After being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes has blossomed into one of the league’s top pitchers.
He followed his Rookie of the Year win and 1.96 ERA in 2024 by striking out 216 hitters in a Cy Young-winning 2025 campaign.
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne, right, walk on the red carpet for the MLB All-Star Game. AP Photo/Chris Szagola
Skenes has taken a slight step back in 2026 with a 3.57 ERA but remains one of baseball’s premier young players on an ascending Pirates team.
While Dunne is no longer a gymnast, she’s now coming to the small screen in the fall and will be part of Fox’s “Baywatch” reboot in her first true foray into acting.
The MLB All-Star Game brings the best players in the game together for a friendly exhibition. But if the game is close as the end draws near, the pressure and the intensity rise to another level.
And if it goes down to the wire, there won't be any extra innings. Instead, if the game is tied after the bottom of the ninth, MLB has created a fun way to settle the score that borrows from the Home Run Derby the previous night.
And last season, a home-run tiebreaker was used for the first time since the new rule was implemented.
MLB All-Star Game tiebreaker rules
If the All-Star Game is tied after nine innings, the winner is determined by a home run swing-off. Here's how it works:
Each team selects three players from its active lineup to compete in a mini home run derby. Each player gets three swings to try to hit as many homers as possible, and the team with the highest total is declared the winner. If it's still tied, each manager selects one of the three participants to take three more swings. That process continues until one team hits more homers.
Last season, the National League prevailed in the tiebreaker when Kyle Schwarber cleared the fence with all three of his swings for a 4-3 victory. Not surprisingly, Schwarber was named the All-Star MVP.
Roch Cholowsky throws out the first pitch at a White Sox game.
Roch Cholowsky is having the time of his life — and his bank account isn’t doing badly either.
Just days after being selected No. 1 overall by the White Sox in the 2026 MLB Draft, Cholowsky signed his rookie contract that includes a record-breaking $10.35 million signing bonus, sources told ESPN.
Cholowsky’s bonus tops the previous mark of $9.25 million for Chase Burns and Charlie Condon in 2024 draft. The slot value for the first pick this year was $11.3 million, so even with the record, the bonus came in slightly under value.
While Chicago hasn’t confirmed the deal, Cholowsky threw out the first pitch at Sunday’s White Sox win and sat in a luxury suite with friends and family.
Roch Cholowsky poses at a White Sox game. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I did see the video [of the first pitch], and I saw the crowd. So it was very exciting,” Cholowsky’s father, Dan, told reporters.
“He flew out 2 or 3 weeks ago and fell in love with the city [Chicago]. I want what’s best for him.”
“Since he’s been young, I’ve always treated him like a man and I respect his decisions. He said everyone was great to him and he loves it,” Dan added.
Cholowsky, a 6-foot-2 shortstop, hit .320 with 21 home runs, 60 RBIs and a 1.088 OPS in 60 games for UCLA in 2026.
Despite falling short of a College World Series title, the Bruins went 51-6 in Cholowsky’s final season.
Roch Cholowsky throws out the first pitch at a White Sox game. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
Cholowsky hit .329 with 52 homers, 167 RBIs and a 1.072 OPS in 178 games across three seasons with the Bruins.
He also became the first UCLA player selected first overall since Gerrit Cole went to the Pirates in 2011.
“You look at what he has done throughout his baseball career, both at UCLA, but prior to that,” White Sox general manager Chris Getz told reporters Saturday. “We had interest in him in high school and then to be able to watch his college career unfold and see what he accomplished and the impact that he had on his teammates and that program and now to envision that type of influence within this organization is something that attracted us to select him at No. 1.”
However, James doesn’t appear to be in any rush. This was shown by a golf outing that he had on July 14, alongside Golden State Warriors star forward Draymond Green and world-class comedian Kevin Hart, both of whom are close friends with James.
Steve Stoute’s Instagram Story post of him golfing with LeBron James and Kevin Hart. Instagram/@stevestoute
Green and James were recently in Puerto Rico together, which is why it’s surprising to see them golfing so soon after that. There were reports that Green was using that vacation to recruit James to the Warriors, which, “have left [James] giving even stronger consideration to the idea [of joining the Warriors in free agency] than before,” according to a July 13 article from ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.
But there didn’t seem to be much recruiting happening during Tuesday’s golf outing. Instead, several Instagram Story posts from Steve Stoute (who was at the golf event with James, Hart, and Green) show that jokes were being cracked between the trio.
One post showed James and Hart sitting in a golf cart together. The 22-time NBA All-Star was joking about a poor shot Hart had made, with Hart claiming that it was too early to claim that he was having a bad day on the course.
There was some competition between James and Hart: At one point, James told Hart, “I’m up 3–0. I’m cooking you. You know how many teams came back from 3–0? None!”
James and Hart joking around on a couch together. Instagram/@stevestoute
LeBron James: “I’m up 3-0. I’m cooking you. You know how many teams came back from 3-0? None!”
Kevin Hart: “That’s not true. Didn’t you come back?”
Australian athlete, 27, won two Olympic gold medals in Paris
Jack served a doping ban after Ligandrol was found in her system
Australian swimmer Shayna Jack has announced she will retire after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
In a video posted on Instagram in which Jack spoke with her coach Dean Boxall, the freestyler fought back tears as she said the Games – from 23 July to 2 August – would be her competitive swan song.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets is guarded by Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings on July 14, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It took a few extra days, but we finally got our Mikel Brown Jr. vs Darius Acuff summer showdown. It was Nets as a unit, however, who delivered the box office production.
Brooklyn leapt out to a 22-6 advantage to the begin the game, forcing eight Sacramento turnovers in the contest’s first six minutes. Joshua Jefferson, who struggled in his first appearance as a Net over the weekend, got in on the action right after coming in off the bench.
Brown Jr. personally didn’t do any scoring to help to build that run, but facilitated on a few buckets. Despite having no points to match Acuff’s six in the first, he did come up with two assists.
His backcourt mate had him covered, however. Egor Dëmin led everyone with 16 first period points, shooting 3-3 from the field and 4-4 from the line. The sophomore, who’s starting to look a bit too good to be out there, had a near-perfect frame even outside of his shooting figures, pitching in three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and zero turnovers in 10 minutes.
Then, Brown Jr. started to get going. Acuff picked his pocket on the second period’s first possession, though Brown Jr. got back in time to block his subsequent shot in transition. MBJ walked the ball down the court right after, shook Acuff with a crossover, and dropped in a buttery midrange jumper. He finished with five points and two more assists in the period.
But while it was good to see Brown Jr. win round two, Drake Powell experienced a far larger and more cathartic redemptive arc. After beginning the summer 1-28 from the field between the California Classic and Vegas, he started the game 4-5 from three and a +11 at halftime.
Drake Powell continuing to cash in on the basketball gods' summer debt to him.
He started the SL 1-28 on FGs between Vegas and Sacramento. He's now 4-5 from deep today. pic.twitter.com/8PDr2cr5aJ
Brooklyn eventually waltzed its way to a 56-34 lead at halftime, and it would’ve been even messier than that if not for Emanuel Sharp. The 45th overall pick out of Houston also went 4-5 from deep in the first half to lead his team with 14 points. Nobody else on Sacramento had more than eight at that point.
Dëmin, who put up a 20-piece last time out vs New York, had the same amount today by halftime while shooting 5-9 from the field. He continued to have Brown Jr.’s back all the way until the first half horn…
Egor Dëmin picks up the Mikel Brown Jr. miss and his third dunk of the first half right before the buzzer.
The dunking didn’t stop there, nor did the deposing of the Kings. The Nets continued to force Sacramento turnovers that led to easy points the other way. Brooklyn ended up earning 41 points off 28 Sacramento giveaways by the end of the night. About halfway there, Johnson, Dëmin, Brown Jr., and Wolf collaborated on what has to be the play of the summer so far for the team…
Nets level….
Major highlight for the Nets. Starts with Chaney Johnson hustle. Finishes with a Danny Wolf poster on Maxime Raynaud. pic.twitter.com/DFLqHkpusy
Helped by that sequence, Brooklyn went on a 13-0 run in the heart of the third to open up a 30+ point lead, and while that was enough to excuse Dëmin for all but one random possession in the fourth, Brown Jr., Powell, and a few others played on.
The former got a few points back on Acuff before sitting a few sequences later. Acuff still finished the game with the higher scoring total, although he had sacrifice his efficiency to get it. MBJ finished with 16/5/2, and four turnovers while shooting 6-11 from the field and 2-5 from deep. Acuff ended with 26 points, five assists, and five turnovers while shooting 9-18 from the field and 2-6 from deep.
Mikel Brown Jr. hits a three over Darius Acuff, flashes a smile on his way back down the floor. pic.twitter.com/v4sVySGm2I
The Nets did get a bit too rowdy in the that third period, picking up three technical fouls between the bench, Dëmin, and Powell, who got caught hanging on the rim for a tad too long after finishing off an alley-oop. Normally, you’d rather avoid seeing that. But hey, its summer. And again, you saw the Powell numbers before this one. He finished with 18 points, two steals, and a block after shooting 6-10 from the field and 4-7 from deep.
For the most part, the bench plus Johnson and Wolf took us the rest of the way. Sacramento never put any pressure on the lead as Ben Saraf’s methodical game and Johnson’s dominance on the glass kept the Kings on a leash anytime they tried to string together quick points. Saraf bounced back with 11 points, five assists, four steals, and zero turnovers on 3-4 shooting in 20 minutes played. Johnson, a game high +31, nabbed 13 points and nine rebounds, three assists, and a steal after shooting 5-7 from the field.
The Nets nabbed their second win in Las Vegas. The were five points shy of tying the league record for the most points scored in a Summer League game.
Final: Brooklyn Nets 115, Sacramento Kings 83
Sean Marks Speaks
Midway through the second period, Sean Marks also joined the broadcast for a brief interview where he touched on the the team’s young pool of talent., Julius Randle, and Jordi Fernández.
“Very excited about this group,” Marks said. “I mean, they’re young but they’re out there competing. They’re playing hard. They’re playing the right way. You see the ball moving around. These guys are competing — diving on the floor for loose balls. They want to compete for something, so that’s exciting.”
Marks later spoke specifically on Mikel Brown Jr., even giving us a bit of an idea of what he and the Nets look for in draft prospects.
“Obviously watching him, going back from from my days, watching him at the Hoop Summit, and then obviously Louisville, you see how he played there, and just how he approached his teammates,” Marks said. “I know he missed a few games, but then even in the games he was out, it was like, just watch him on the sidelines. Who’s interacting with? What do the coaches say about him? He’s a very cerebral player. He’s incredibly competitive, so that’s obviously going to translate to our level.”
It’s similar to what he said shortly after the Nets selected Brown Jr. last month.
“And what we’ve seen so far, not only in the California Classic Summer League, but in Vegas here, is just how he’s got those leadership characteristics, taken a lot of the guys under his wing, and spent time with them away from the court as well, which is really unique for a young man like that,” he added. Those things will translate to a really, really positive career.”
Marks also praised the borough of Brooklyn as a platform to raise up prospects like Brown Jr. He called it a “melting pot” before acknowledging its salt-of-the-earth reputation.
“It’s such a diverse borough that, to me, is exciting,” he said. “It’s a working-class borough. That’s that adds something to the culture of the locker room like we experienced with the Spurs. So, to me, that’s great. Everybody has their own story, and that’s it’s a worldly game now, which is what we’re just seeing right now on the on the court.”
He also shouted out Fernández and his coaching staff in that same regard.
“One of the things that’s really shined from Jordi and how he’s approached his first few years here has been just how honest he is with players,” Marks said. “Nobody ever questions, ‘Well, where do I stand? What are my expectations? What am I supposed to do?’ Jordy lets everybody know right off the get-go and and owns it. He’s honest with it, honest about himself, honest about the mistakes that he makes, and I think that takes a lot. That’s a special leader, and he’s been absolutely tremendous in these first couple years.“
Marks wrapped up things up soon after that, but not before sharing what he expects Julius Randle to bring to the Nets this season. Randle also shared his thoughts on coming to Brooklyn in a different Summer League game a few days before.
“I look at how enthusiastic Julius is about coming back here and you know being in New York again, and so forth. I think he’s he’s been on winning franchises. He understands what it takes. He’s a pro’s pro. He’s a powerful player — that’s something we’re looking for. We need a downhill player that can play in that position, which we didn’t have, so I think him being able to take some of these young guys under his wing, show what it means to be a real pro at this level, and lead flags out will be great. That’s exactly what we’re excited about with Julius.”
Erik Slater of ClutchPoints also caught up with Marks during the game to ask about a potential Michael Porter Jr. contract extension. He indicated there won’t be any news on that soon.
Asked Sean Marks whether the Nets feel urgency to get an extension done with Michael Porter Jr. as he enters the final year of his contract:
"No. Any time you're in a hurry, that's when you make mistakes… We don't wanna do anything hastily or in a rush here. I love Mike… and… pic.twitter.com/9ip1LvxzqG
Brooklyn will take a day off before playing in its final “regular season” Summer League game on Thursday afternoon vs the Houston Rockets. That’ll tip off at 4:30 p.m. EST. Depending on how the standings shake out, they’ll either move onto a four-team playoff or play one consolation game after that either on July 17, July 18 or July 19th.
