Chaney Johnson’s double-double wasn't enough to overcome a dismal shooting night as Brooklyn’s stars rested, setting the stage for a high-stakes lottery guard showdown this Tuesday.
After winning their first contest at the 2026 NBA Summer League, the Brooklyn Nets fell to 1-1, losing 83-76 against the Atlanta Hawks.
Mikel Brown Jr. and Egor Demin, who have been Brooklyn's two most-dynamic players to this point, were sidelined, leaving other players to pick up the slack.
The Nets got off to a fast start offensively in the first quarter, as the second-year duo of Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf found their stride early on.
But it was Chaney Johnson who was most impressive, recording 20 points, 10 rebounds and five steals.
Johnson was seemingly all over the court on defense, while knocking down multiple triples.
Following the game, Johnson talked about his mindset and focus during this Summer League period.
“It’s whatever gets me paid, you know what I’m saying?" Johnson said. "I’ll do whatever it takes. So whatever the team needs, I’m there.”
The same could not be said for the rest of the team, as Johnson's two 3-point makes were the only made threes for the Nets.
Brooklyn shot an abysmal 8% from deep and 35% from the field, as their early offensive flurry wore off.
After maintaining a 5-point lead at the halftime break, the Nets scored just 14 points in the third quarter before being outscored 26-16 in the final period.
For Atlanta, it was the bench unit that propelled the team to victory, as the Hawks' subs outscored the Nets' bench 48-8.
Former UCLA guard Kobe Johnson was the Hawks' top scorer, notching 17 points in 22 minutes off the pine.
Johnson, like his namesake counterpart on Brooklyn, filled up the stat sheet, adding seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
On silver lining for Brooklyn is first-round pick Joshua Jefferson making his debut.
The reigning Iowa State Men's Athlete of the Year struggled from the field in his first Summer League appearance, but got to the free-throw line for five makes.
With Demin and Brown reinserted into the lineup, Jefferson's production should rise, as the big man will benefit from their playmaking abilities.
The Nets will be back in action, and hopefully back at full strength this Tuesday, July 14, in a rematch against the Sacramento Kings.
In the two squads' first matchup, Brown was scratched from the lineup, leaving fans disappointed that the No. 6 overall pick wouldn't be able to compete against Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr., who was taken just one pick later.
However, this time around, we should get to witness the showdown between the standout lottery guards.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
