Long Island Nets Shine in Statement Win as Brooklyn Eyes Roster Moves
While the Brooklyn Nets front office was deep in trade deadline decisions, their G League counterpart, the Long Island Nets, were making their own kind of noise just outside Chicago. With roster spots in flux and the NBA trade deadline in the rearview mirror, Long Island delivered a commanding 143-123 win over the Windy City Bulls-a performance that could have real implications for Brooklyn’s next moves.
The timing couldn’t have been more critical. Shortly after the deadline passed, Brooklyn waived Hunter Tyson, clearing a roster spot and sparking speculation about potential promotions from Long Island. And with another game against Windy City looming Friday night, the clock is ticking on decisions that could shape the back end of the Nets’ roster.
Liddell Leads the Charge
If there’s a player making the strongest case for an NBA call-up, it’s EJ Liddell. The 6’7” forward, currently on a two-way deal, has been knocking on the door for a while now-and Thursday might’ve been his loudest knock yet.
Liddell dropped a season-high 30 points, hitting 8-of-12 from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. He added six rebounds, three assists, and two blocks-his eighth multi-block game of the season. That kind of two-way impact, especially on a day when NBA front offices are watching closely, is hard to ignore.
For the season, Liddell is averaging 18.5 points on elite 53/41/89 shooting splits, along with 8.3 rebounds per game. He’s not just producing; he’s doing it efficiently and consistently. If Brooklyn is considering converting a two-way to a standard deal, Liddell is making a strong case to be the guy.
Nelson’s Perfect Night
If Liddell was the headliner, Grant Nelson was the scene-stealer. The 7-footer from North Dakota had arguably his best game as a pro, finishing with 21 points on a flawless 8-of-8 shooting performance, including a three-pointer. He also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out three assists-all in just 19 minutes of action.
Nelson has been on a minutes restriction since returning from a knee injury, but he’s making every minute count. In his nine starts since coming back, he’s averaging 27.1 points and 12.7 rebounds per 36 minutes.
That’s elite production, even in limited run. At just 23 years old, Nelson is a developmental gem who’s flashing real NBA upside.
Veteran Presence: Nate Williams
Then there’s Nate Williams, who matched Nelson’s 21 points while shooting 9-of-14 from the field and 3-of-6 from deep. The 6’6” guard added three rebounds and two assists.
Williams brings something the others don’t: NBA experience. He’s logged 47 games at the next level-five with Portland, 42 with Houston-and that kind of familiarity with the league could give him an edge if Brooklyn is weighing experience versus potential.
Etienne Makes Franchise History
It wasn’t a big scoring night for Tyson Etienne, but he still made history. The sharpshooting guard became Long Island’s all-time leader in three-pointers made, passing Kaiser Gates with his 228th career triple.
Etienne finished with five points on 2-of-6 shooting, including 1-of-3 from deep. He’s averaging 17.7 points this season with 41/39/85 shooting splits and has taken 225 of his 294 shots from beyond the arc.
He’s a pure specialist, and that kind of floor spacing is always valuable.
Malachi Smith Nearly Drops a Triple-Double
Another name to keep an eye on? Malachi Smith.
The 6’4” point guard and high school teammate of Liddell nearly notched a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, and 15 assists. He also added three steals and a block, stuffing the stat sheet in every way imaginable.
Smith hit 6-of-15 from the field and 3-of-6 from deep, showing off his all-around game in a big way.
At 26, Smith is on the older side for a G League prospect, but he’s proving he can run a team and impact the game on both ends. Performances like this one don’t go unnoticed-especially when roster spots are in play.
Chaney Johnson Flashes Potential
Off the bench, 23-year-old Chaney Johnson-the youngest player on the Long Island roster and another two-way contract holder-added 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting. He also matched Liddell with two blocks, continuing to show flashes of defensive upside and scoring efficiency in limited minutes.
What’s Next?
With the trade deadline behind them and a roster spot now open, the Brooklyn Nets have decisions to make. If they elevate Liddell to a standard deal, that creates a two-way opening.
Do they reward Nelson’s breakout stretch? Trust the experience of Williams?
Or take a chance on a high-upside guard like Smith?
One thing’s clear: Long Island is doing its part. The Nets’ G League squad is not just winning games-they’re developing real talent. And Friday night’s rematch with Windy City could be one more audition for a group of players who are ready for the next step.
Tip-off is at 8:00 p.m. EST, and if Thursday’s performance was any indication, there’s plenty of reason to tune in.