Nets Earn First Win With 98-90 Road Victory Over Pacers

The Brooklyn Nets picked up their first win of the season on November 1, beating the Indiana Pacers 98-90 in Indianapolis. Michael Porter Jr. scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Julius Randle added 20 points, six assists and five rebounds. Day’Ron Sharpe contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds for Brooklyn, which outrebounded Indiana 43-37.

Brooklyn led 43-40 at halftime, then opened the third quarter with a 9-0 run to stretch its advantage to 12. Indiana cut the margin to 75-72 early in the fourth on consecutive three-pointers by Larry Nance Jr. and Andrew Nembhard, but could get no closer. Nembhard led the Pacers with 23 points; Pascal Siakam scored 17.

The Nets shot 41.1% from the field and made 13 of 39 three-point attempts. Indiana was without several players, including Tyrese Haliburton, who is expected to miss at least another 10 days with a hamstring strain, and Ivica Zubac, sidelined by an ankle sprain. Obi Toppin also missed the game with a lower-back injury. Coach Rick Carlisle said Toppin was making progress and might return November 2.

Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernández said the team needed to improve its transition offense, and described film study and walkthroughs as opportunities to address problems during a busy stretch. The Nets visit the New York Knicks on November 2, while Indiana hosts Atlanta that night.