Nets Snap Winless Streak but Lose Top Scorer in Come-From-Behind Victory Over Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS — The Brooklyn Nets finally secured their first win of the season, but it came at a cost, as they lost their top scorer early in the game. It’s shaping up to be a challenging, tanking season for the rebuilding Nets—where even rare victories feel like Pyrrhic triumphs.
The Nets shuffled their lineup to bolster their league-worst defense, and the adjustment paid off in a 112-103 comeback win against a depleted Indiana Pacers squad in front of 16,103 fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
Cam Thomas, however, was forced out with a left hamstring injury in the first quarter—his second straight season plagued by that same injury, which limited him to just 25 games last year. By the time Brooklyn (1-7) mounted their rally in the fourth quarter, Thomas was long gone.
Trailing 83-80 entering the final period, the previously winless Nets exploded out of the break with a decisive 21-8 run that sealed the victory. Brooklyn’s 0-7 start had matched the second-worst in franchise history; the worst being an infamous 0-18 start that ties the NBA all-time record. But with this win, those lows are now behind them.
Veteran Michael Porter Jr., shifted to small forward in the revamped lineup to add size, made an immediate impact returning from a one-game personal leave. He led all scorers with 32 points and also grabbed 11 rebounds.
Noah Clowney followed up his strong performance from Monday’s loss with another solid outing, contributing 17 points, a plus-eight plus-minus rating, and providing much-needed length and athleticism. Clowney’s presence alongside starting center Nic Claxton improved the Nets’ notoriously porous defense.
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Claxton delivered another impressive game, posting 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and zero turnovers—bringing his totals to 18 points and six assists across the past three games combined. The center repeatedly demonstrated his offensive versatility, attacking defender Jay Huff off the dribble and even showcasing a Pinoy step hesitation move. Serving as a high-post hub, Claxton continued to operate effectively despite the absence of a true lead guard in the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Terance Mann admirably filled the point guard role, contributing 15 points, six assists, and a plus-15 rating.
The game was a gritty, hard-fought battle, albeit one not played at a particularly high level. The Nets led narrowly 49-48 with 3:33 remaining in the first half on a Mann free throw, before allowing the Pacers to go on a nine-point unanswered run. Brooklyn then found themselves down by eight following a Ben Sheppard basket with just 1:27 left in the half and had to fight back from there.
After three quarters, the Nets trailed 83-80, but they opened the fourth quarter with a 13-3 surge. Mann’s five-foot baseline fadeaway rattled home, and Day’Ron Sharpe extended the lead with an offensive rebound and a free throw, putting Brooklyn ahead 93-86 with 7:55 remaining. They pushed the advantage to double digits at 101-91 and kept Indiana at arm’s length for the rest of the game.
The Pacers were clearly shorthanded, missing key players including Tyrese Haliburton, T. J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, Kam Jones, Obi Toppin, and Bennedict Mathurin. To make matters worse, Indiana finished the game without coach Rick Carlisle, who was ejected with 11:52 left in the third quarter.
After finally tasting victory, the Nets are unlikely to dwell on the considerable absences in the Pacers’ roster. For Brooklyn, a first win—even in such circumstances—is a welcome breakthrough in a tough season ahead.
