March 24, 2026, 4:31 p.m. ET

Brooklyn Nets Two-Way guard Tyson Etienne has spent the majority of the 2025-26 NBA season refining his skills for the Long Island Nets. Long Island, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, has seen Etienne make history as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer this season and now, he is making things happen at the NBA level as the team nears the end of another tough season.

“Honestly, what it’s always been is play hard. Give it as much effort as possible. [Head] coach [Jordi Fernandez] talks about having smart effort too,” Etienne said after Monday’s 134-99 loss at the Portland Trail Blazers. Etienne led the Nets in scoring with 18 points and also chipped four assists while shooting 6-of-10 from the field and 4-of-7 from behind the three-point line in 24 minutes.

“Being in the right spot, understanding what’s going on. Just giving as much effort as we possibly can while still sharpening our IQ,” Etienne continued. “Just every time we go out there to get as much energy as possible, but still want to be in the right spots.”

Etienne, 26, is averaging 5.9 points per game while shooting 41.8% from the floor and 43.9% from deep in 16 games this season, but his recent stint with the big club has been impressive. In March, Etienne is averaging 10.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 46.2/47.7/87.5 shooting splits and has scored at least 10 points in four of his eight appearances this month.

Etienne, who occupies one of the three Two-Way spots on Brooklyn’s roster along with forwards EJ Liddell and Chaney Johnson, has always made sure to play hard every time he steps on the floor. Now that Etienne is seeing more playing time at the NBA level, the former Wichita State Shocker is once again showing what he has learned from grinding in the G League earlier this season.

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