Nets PG Brown Makes First Rookie Mistake, Vows to 'Be Better'

The Brooklyn Nets were in control of their matchup with the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, but fell in overtime after a buzzer-beater from star forward Jayson Tatum.

The Nets played their most-consistent game of the young season against Boston, storming back in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

Rookie point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was the regulation hero, sinking a fading 3-pointer out of the corner to force and overtime period.

The Nets' top draft pick played 28 minutes, his most of the season, while pouring in 17 points and adding five rebounds and five assists.

Brown's first moment in his NBA career was short-lived however, as he struggled to make shots in overtime and eventually had a crucial blunder.

With just over six seconds to play and the Nets winning by one, Brown received the inbound on a cut to the basket from Noah Clowney, and decided to attempt a contested layup despite already being ahead.

Of course, Brown was unable to convert, and Tatum made the Nets pay on the following possession.

After the loss, Brown talked about what was going through his head.

"I did see the open lane, and I thought I had a layup, but the ball was kind of already slipping out of my hands, and PG [Paul George] was already coming towards my right side," Brown said. "So I felt like if I didn't go up with it, I kind of was gonna fall out of bounds... There's a lot of plays down the stretch that I messed up on, that I take full accountability for, and I'm gonna be better."

While this blunder has made the headlines, Brown's increased minutes and scoring production is a good sign of things to come.

Towards the end of the game, Brown struggled to make shots, but he showed his ability to heat up quickly, knocking down multiple triples in rhythm.

Whether it was fatigue or a cooling down of sorts from the final regulation quarter, Brown struggled in overtime, making just one 3-pointer on four attempts.

But, in the fourth quarter, Brown scored 13 points, posting 4-for-6 shooting from the floor and making three long balls.

Brown's added responsibility as a playmaker is a positive as well, with his minutes ramping up and a potential addition into the starting lineup being in the cards.

The Nets are back in action against the reigning Eastern Conference No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.