Michael Porter Jr. collected 32 points and 11 rebounds to propel the Brooklyn Nets to their first win of the season, a 112-103 decision over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday in Indianapolis.
Porter made four 3-pointers in his return from a one-game absence due to personal reasons.
Nic Claxton recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds and Noah Clowney added 17 points for Brooklyn, which outscored Indiana by a 32-20 margin in the fourth quarter.
Tyrese Martin sank four 3-pointers to highlight his 16-point performance off the bench for the Nets.
All was not rosy for Brooklyn, however, as Cam Thomas exited midway into the first quarter due to left hamstring tightness and did not return to the contest. He entered the game averaging a team-best 24.4 points per contest.
Indiana’s Pascal Siakam collected 23 points and nine assists and Ben Sheppard added 18 points in the loss.
Jay Huff sank four 3-polnters to highlight his 16-point performance off the bench for the Pacers, who have matched Brooklyn with a 1-7 start to the season.
Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle received back-to-back technicals for arguing a call on a deflected inbounds pass and was ejected from the game just eight seconds into the third quarter.
Sheppard sank his third 3-pointer of the night to trim Brooklyn’s lead to 101-96 with 2:49 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Nets countered with six of the game’s next eight points, highlighted by Martin’s 3-pointer.
The Pacers trimmed their deficit to four points before Porter was credited with a dunk following a defensive goaltending violation with 22.1 seconds left to effectively seal the win.
Taelon Peter drained a 3-pointer to stake Indiana to an 86-82 lead early in the fourth quarter before Brooklyn ignited an 11-0 run. Jalen Wilson converted from beyond the arc, Martin had a tip-in and a 3-pointer and Mann made a driving layup.
Porter went 3-for-3 from 3-point range to highlight his 11-point performance in the first quarter, helping Brooklyn claim a 25-18 lead.
Indiana, however, responded by scoring the first eight points in the second and 41 in the quarter to take a 59-54 lead at halftime.
