Nets beat Pacers 98-90

The Brooklyn Nets ended their season-opening losing streak on Sunday night, defeating the Indiana Pacers 98-90 in Indianapolis. It was the first victory for Brooklyn this season.

Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 23 points, while Julius Randle added 20. Day’Ron Sharpe recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. The Nets controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Pacers 43 to 37.

Indiana’s Andrew Nembhard scored 23 points, and Pascal Siakam contributed 17. The Pacers were without Obi Toppin, who missed his second straight game with a lower back injury. Ivica Zubac also sat out with a left ankle sprain, and Tyrese Haliburton remains sidelined with a hamstring strain.

The Nets shot 38% from the field in the first half, but they held a 43-40 lead at halftime. The Pacers struggled from beyond the arc, making only four of their 20 three-point attempts. They finished the first half shooting 32% from the field.

The Pacers closed the gap to 75-72 in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. Larry Nance Jr. and Nembhard hit consecutive three-pointers to cut the deficit. However, that was as close as Indiana got, as Brooklyn maintained the lead for the remainder of the game.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Toppin is progressing and may play on Monday. Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. sat out for load management to rest his back before facing the Knicks.

The Nets will travel to New York to play the Knicks on Monday night. The Pacers will host the Atlanta Hawks at home on Monday night.