Dawson impressive in opener

LAS VEGAS — In Friday’s summer league opener, the Nets played without most of their big names. No matter. Shawn Dawson made the most of a chance to make a name for himself.

With most of their foreign contingent missing, and rotation players Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert sitting, the Nets lost 86-80 to the Magic at Cox Pavillion. But the Israel-born Dawson — son of an experienced international pro — came off the bench with an eye-catching performance.

Dawson had 20 points to lead the Nets and tie game-high honors. He had 11 in the first quarter, when the Nets ran out to a quick lead. They got hammered 22-10 in the second to squander it, through no fault of Dawson’s.

“We won three out of the four quarters, but that second quarter got ahold of us,” said assistant coach Jacque Vaughn, who’s coaching the summer squad. “He had a good start and he did it multiple ways — in transition, attacking the bas- ket, the ability to shoot the ball, to get out in transition and attack the rim. So some good things from him.”

The most impressive way Dawson, 24, did it was going by people off the dribble. He said he has been helped not just by six years of Israeli pro experience but by the Nets’ European-style system playing to his strengths.

Dawson spent preseason with New Orleans two years ago, but didn’t stick. The lefty, whose father played at Southern Miss and had a long international career, hopes for a camp invite from Brooklyn.

➤ Four of the Nets’ seven internationals didn’t play. Two-time Chinese league MVP Ding Yanyuhang has left due to a knee injury.

Rodions Kurucs (Latvia) and Dzanan Musa (Bosnia-Herzegovina) can’t play until their buyouts with Barcelona and Cedevita are done. Nets fans are familiar with Juan Pablo Vaulet’s ankle woes, but he’s out again after hurting his foot Thursday in practice. Vaughn said he will be re-evaluated Saturday.