The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Indiana Pacers 98-90 on Sunday, November 1, 2026, behind Michael Porter Jr.’s 23 points and Day’Ron Sharpe’s 15-point, 13-rebound double-double. Brooklyn earned its first win of the season at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, using a strong third quarter and better free-throw shooting to finish ahead.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Nets Take a Narrow Lead
Brooklyn edged Indiana 20-19 in the opening quarter. Neither team generated much scoring separation, setting up a closely contested first half.
Second Quarter: Brooklyn Adds to Its Advantage
The Nets outscored the Pacers 23-21 in the second period to carry a 43-40 lead into halftime. Indiana remained within one possession despite trailing after each of the first two quarters.
Third Quarter: Nets Create Separation
Brooklyn delivered its most important stretch after halftime, winning the third quarter 28-22. That six-point advantage extended the Nets’ lead to 71-62 entering the fourth, giving them room to withstand Indiana’s improved final-period scoring.
Fourth Quarter: Pacers Cannot Close the Gap
Indiana outscored Brooklyn 28-27 in the final quarter, but recovered only one point of its nine-point deficit. The Nets finished with a 98-90 road victory without needing overtime.
Key Performers
- Michael Porter Jr., Nets: Scored 23 points to lead Brooklyn and share the game-high total with Andrew Nembhard.
- Day’Ron Sharpe, Nets: Delivered 15 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, providing a double-double in a game where Brooklyn finished plus-six on the boards.
- Julius Randle, Nets: Led Brooklyn with six assists.
- Andrew Nembhard, Pacers: Matched Porter with 23 points to lead Indiana.
- Pascal Siakam, Pacers: Registered a team-high five assists.
- Jarace Walker, Pacers: Led Indiana with six rebounds.
NerdSports Stat: Both teams made 13 three-pointers, so Brooklyn’s entire eight-point winning margin came from two other sources: four extra points on two-point baskets and four extra points at the free-throw line.
Game Analysis
Brooklyn did not need a major shooting advantage to earn the win. The Nets shot 41.1% from the field, making 30 of 73 attempts, while Indiana finished at 40.0% on 28-of-70 shooting. The Pacers were more accurate from three-point range, converting 37.1% compared with Brooklyn’s 33.3%, but both teams finished with 13 makes.
The free-throw line provided a clearer difference. Brooklyn converted 25 of 31 attempts, an 80.6% rate, while Indiana made 21 of 30 for 70.0%. With nearly identical opportunities, the Nets collected four more points.
Brooklyn also outrebounded Indiana 43-37, with Sharpe accounting for 13 of those boards. Both teams recorded 21 assists. Ultimately, the Nets’ third-quarter scoring advantage and stronger free-throw conversion supplied enough separation to offset Indiana’s slight fourth-quarter edge.
What the Result Means
Brooklyn improved to 1-5 overall and 1-2 on the road, securing its first victory of the regular season. Indiana fell to 2-5 and remained winless at home at 0-3. Both Eastern Conference teams return to action Monday, November 2: the Pacers face the Atlanta Hawks, while the Nets meet the New York Knicks. Both games are scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PST.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Indiana Pacers 98-90 on November 1, 2026.
Michael Porter Jr. scored 23 points, tying Andrew Nembhard for the game high. His individual shooting percentage was not included in the supplied game statistics.
After the win, Brooklyn sits at 1-5 in the Eastern Conference. Its exact conference position was not provided.
Day’Ron Sharpe was the standout performer with 15 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, helping Brooklyn finish with a 43-37 rebounding advantage.