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

Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle powered the Brooklyn Nets to a 98-90 win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. Porter Jr. contributed 23 points, while Randle added 20. Day’Ron Sharpe also posted a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds to help the Nets secure their first victory of the season. The Nets dominated the rebounding battle, outscoring the Pacers 43-37.

Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 23 points, while Pascal Siakam added 17. The Pacers cut the Nets' lead to 75-72 in the final minute of the fourth quarter with back-to-back 3-pointers from Larry Nance Jr. and Nembhard, but the Nets held on. The Nets shot 38% in the first half but led 43-40 at halftime. Indiana's shooting was poor, going 32% from the field and 4 of 20 from beyond the arc.

Both teams struggled at the start, with the Nets trailing 12-10 after the first quarter due to Randle's 3-pointer. Brooklyn extended their lead to 71-62 at the end of the third quarter as they improved their shooting in the second half. The Pacers were missing Obi Toppin, who was out with a lower back injury for the second straight game, and Ivica Zubac, who is dealing with a left ankle sprain.

Tyrese Haliburton is expected to be out for at least another 10 days with a hamstring injury. Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. missed the game due to load management.