Porter, Randle help Nets to 98-90 victory over Pacers

The Brooklyn Nets secured a 98-90 victory over the Indiana Pacers in a game held on Sunday night at the Barclays Center in New York City. Michael Porter Jr. contributed 23 points to the Nets' total, while Julius Randle scored 20 points to help the Brooklyn side to a season-opening win. Day’Ron Sharpe added a double-double with 15 points and a team-high 13 rebounds for the Nets, who led the rebounding contest 43-37.

Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 23 points, while Pascal Siakam added 17 points. The Nets took a 12-point lead three times during the third quarter, but the Pacers closed the gap to 75-72 with back-to-back three-pointers from Larry Nance Jr. and Day’Ron Sharpe early in the fourth quarter. The closest Indiana got was 75-72, after which they were unable to mount any further comeback.

The Nets shot 38% in the first half but still maintained a 43-40 halftime lead. Indiana hit just 32% of their field goals and were unsuccessful in three-point attempts as well. Both teams started the game slowly, with the Nets taking a 12-10 lead on Randle's three-pointer with less than five minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Brooklyn extended their lead to 71-62 after three quarters as both teams improved their shooting in the second half. The Nets will face the New York Knicks in a home game on Monday night, while the Pacers will host the Atlanta Hawks in a similar scenario.