Nets' first win of NBA season exposes growing concerns for struggling Pacers
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Nets' first win of NBA season exposes growing concerns for struggling Pacers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Brooklyn Nets finally earned their first victory of the 2026-27 NBA season Sunday night. Michael Porter Jr. scored 23 points, Julius Randle added 20 and Brooklyn defeated the Indiana Pacers 98-90 in Indianapolis. The win ended Brooklyn's winless start and provided an encouraging performance for coach Jordi Fernandez.
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But the result also raised another question.
What has happened to Indiana? The Pacers have now lost four consecutive games and struggled offensively against a Brooklyn team that entered the contest without a victory.
Brooklyn won with defense rather than fireworks
The Nets did not overwhelm Indiana with spectacular shooting. Instead, they limited the Pacers' scoring opportunities and controlled important stretches of the game.
Sunday dub! https://t.co/6ROEu1o3Ex
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 2, 2026
Indiana made only two of its first 15 attempts from 3-point range during the opening half. Brooklyn led 43-40 at halftime before opening the third quarter with a 9-0 run.
That stretch helped the Nets create separation. The Pacers eventually reduced the deficit to three points during the fourth quarter, but Brooklyn responded.
Randle hit an important 3-pointer, and the Nets maintained control through the closing minutes. Day'Ron Sharpe contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds, giving Brooklyn another important presence around the basket.
Indiana's offense remains inconsistent
Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 23 points, while Pascal Siakam scored 17. Those contributions were not enough.
Indiana struggled to generate consistent perimeter offense and could not maintain momentum after narrowing Brooklyn's lead.
The Pacers have dealt with personnel absences, including the continued absence of Tyrese Haliburton. But their problems extend beyond one player.
Indiana must improve its spacing, shot creation and ability to finish possessions. Sunday's loss demonstrated how quickly those weaknesses can become decisive.
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Brooklyn finally has something to build on
The Nets have endured a difficult opening stretch, but Sunday's performance provided reasons for optimism. Porter supplied dependable scoring. Randle contributed important late offense. Sharpe controlled rebounds and created additional opportunities. Nolan Traore also scored 16 points, giving Brooklyn another productive contributor.
The Nets will now face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. That rivalry game provides another opportunity to build momentum.
Indiana, meanwhile, must determine how to stop its losing streak. One loss against a struggling opponent does not define an entire season. But losing to a winless Brooklyn team should create urgency.
The Nets finally have their first win. The Pacers have another problem to solve.