Nets End Season Skid With 98-90 Win Over Pacers

Michael Porter Jr. scored 23 points and Julius Randle added 20 to lead the Brooklyn Nets past the Indiana Pacers, 98-90, on Sunday night. The victory marked the Nets' first win of the season.

Day'Ron Sharpe contributed 15 points and secured 13 rebounds in the win. The Nets controlled the boards, out-rebounding the Pacers 43 to 37. Andrew Nembhard led Indiana with 23 points, while Pascal Siakam finished with 17.

Brooklyn established control in the third quarter, building a 12-point lead on three separate occasions. The Pacers attempted a late surge, cutting the deficit to 75-72 in the opening three minutes of the fourth quarter. Larry Nance Jr. and Nembhard drained consecutive three-pointers to fuel that run, but the margin did not shrink further.

Both teams shot poorly in the first half. The Nets converted 38% of their attempts, while the Pacers managed just 32% from the field and 4-for-20 from three-point range. Brooklyn held a 43-40 lead at halftime after Randle hit a three-pointer with under five minutes left in the first quarter. That shot erased the Pacers' only lead of the game, 10-9.

The Nets extended their advantage to 71-62 after three quarters as shooting improved in the second half. Indiana played short-handed, missing Obi Toppin for the second straight game due to a lower back injury. Coach Rick Carlisle noted Toppin is progressing and may play Monday. The Pacers also lack Ivica Zubac, who is resting a left ankle sprain, and Tyrese Haliburton, who is sidelined for at least 10 days with a hamstring strain.

Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. sat out for load management. The Nets host the New York Knicks on Monday night, while the Pacers welcome the Atlanta Hawks.