Egor Dëmin’s dominant efficiency and a deep supporting cast propelled Brooklyn to a 2-1 record, setting a high bar before the roster heads to Las Vegas chasing hardware.
The Brooklyn Nets played in the California Classic at the Golden 1 Center and ended the three-day event with a 2-1 record, led by Egor Dëmin.
Brooklyn faced the Sacramento Kings in the California Classic opener and lost in heartbreaking fashion to a Nique Clifford game-winning three. The team bounced back in the following games, recording blowout victories against the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors (Blue).
The Nets will have a few days off before traveling to Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Summer League. They will have the opportunity to bring home their first summer league championship.
Egor Dëmin Improved Significantly
Dëmin played two California Classic games and looked like the best player on the floor. He totaled 46 points (23 points each) and shot 60% from the field.
He totaled 15 rebounds in his two outings as well. Dëmin struggled to shoot from beyond the arc, only making four of 15 threes, but his aggressiveness kept him efficient.
Two games are a small sample size, but Dëmin may start rounding out into a rotational player for Brooklyn.
Depth Outmatched the Bucks
Brooklyn's second game was against Milwaukee, and no first-round pick for the Nets played. However, that didn't stop the team from blowing the Bucks out by 20 points.
Five players -- Ben Humrichous, Duke Brennan, Hunter Sallis, Dwight Murray Jr. and Dain Dainja -- scored over 10 points. Humrichous and Sallis were the second-highest scorers with 15 points.
Mikel Brown Jr. Limited Showing
The Nets were without their sixth overall pick for the first two games, and the Louisville product made his debut in the final game on Monday. Brown Jr. scored 10 points on 4-for-11 shooting and four assists.
It's an extremely limited sample size, but more is expected to come in the Las Vegas Summer League, where all eyes will be on Brown Jr. He will match up against longtime rival Darius Acuff Jr. and attempt to lead Brooklyn to its first summer league championship.
Chaney Johnson and Tyler Bilodeau Provide Quality Front Court Depth
Johnson and Bilodeau had impressive performances in their two outings together. They didn't score much in the first game against the Kings, but they controlled the glass.
The duo combined for 16 rebounds and each recorded a block. Their scoring came along in the California Classic closer, as they combined for 37 points and 12 rebounds.
Both are on two-way deals for the Nets, so Long Island has a talented duo coming to boost the frontcourt. Long Island lost in the first round of the G League playoffs against the Osceola Magic -- Orlando Magic's G League affiliate.
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