The Las Vegas NBA Summer League, often a stage for burgeoning talent and raw potential, witnessed a veteran steal the spotlight on Sunday, July 13, 2025. While highly-touted rookies from the 2025 NBA Draft battled for supremacy, it was Brooklyn Nets forward Drew Timme who delivered a jaw-dropping performance, scorching the Washington Wizards for a game-high 30 points. His masterful display, complete with highlight-reel moments, sent a clear message: Timme isn’t just looking for a roster spot; he’s demanding a significant role in the league.
The buzz around the Thomas & Mack Center was palpable as fans eagerly anticipated the clash between the Nets and the Wizards, featuring a plethora of fresh faces and promising young stars. Washington’s second overall pick, Alex Sarr, and sixth overall pick, Tre Johnson, were central to the Wizards’ strategy, showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive flashes, respectively. Sarr, in particular, delivered a defensive clinic with an astounding eight blocks, a Summer League record, alongside 16 points and 12 rebounds. Johnson led the Wizards in scoring with 21 points, demonstrating why he was a top-10 selection. However, the night undeniably belonged to the Nets’ determined big man.
From the opening tip, Drew Timme, a third-year pro who went undrafted in 2023, played with a chip on his shoulder. His signature crafty footwork in the post, a staple of his illustrious Gonzaga career, was on full display. He consistently created scoring opportunities against the Wizards’ interior defense, seemingly unfazed by the highly-touted Sarr. The former Bulldog’s efficiency was remarkable, converting 13 of his 24 field goal attempts, including a couple of timely three-pointers.
The crescendo of Timme’s dominant performance came in the second quarter with a thunderous poster dunk over none other than Alex Sarr. The play, a perfect blend of skillful ball movement and sheer athleticism, ignited the crowd and immediately went viral across social media. As Timme finished through contact and completed the three-point play, the Las Vegas faithful erupted, chanting “MVP! MVP!” a testament to the electrifying impact of his play. Even NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins took to X (formerly Twitter) to declare, “Drew Timme should be on some body roster getting quality minutes!!!! And I mean in the rotation heavy.”
While the Brooklyn Nets ultimately fell short, losing to the Wizards 102-96, Timme’s individual brilliance was the undeniable storyline. This 30-point explosion follows a solid 22-point, 9-rebound outing in the Nets’ Summer League opener, showcasing a consistent offensive threat. Having appeared in nine games for the Nets during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 13.0 points and 6.3 rebounds, Timme has been diligently working to prove his worth. He has consistently improved his perimeter shooting, a critical aspect of his game development since leaving college, allowing him to be a more versatile offensive weapon.
Beyond Timme, other Nets players also contributed to the exciting contest. Tyson Etienne chipped in with 15 points, and Egor Demin added 12 points and 4 assists. Danny Wolf, after a challenging first game, bounced back impressively with 8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 4 blocks, demonstrating his two-way potential.
The NBA Summer League serves as a crucial proving ground, and Drew Timme is making the most of his opportunity. His exceptional performances are not just statistical anomalies; they are a clear indication of his growth as a professional and his determination to carve out a long and impactful career in the NBA. As the Summer League progresses, all eyes will remain on Timme, wondering if this dominant run is merely a preview of what’s to come for the Brooklyn Nets and for his NBA journey.
