The Indiana Pacers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 128-117, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night.

The Nets (9-11) opened their quest to get back to .500 in fine fashion, as they held a 35-23 lead over the Pacers (11-7) through one thanks to a dominant opening quarter. However, it was Indiana that was the hotter club on the offensive end in the second, recording 34 points of its own but still lopping just four points from its deficit prior to halftime. The hosts were still down six going into the final period, but an 18-4 run by the Pacers from the 11:35 to 6:43 marks of the fourth quarter turned the dynamic of the game around and gave them enough cushion to withstand one final push by Brooklyn.

Kevin Durant led the Nets with 36 points, adding nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Ben Simmons furnished 20 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Kyrie Irving matched Simmons' scoring and added four rebounds and four assists. Seth Curry delivered 14 points, five assists and two rebounds. Nicolas Claxton generated a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and five blocks.

Buddy Hield paced the Pacers with 26 points, complementing them with three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Myles Turner totaled 23 points, eight boards, three assists and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton supplied a 21-point, 15-assist double-double that included six rebounds and four steals. Bennedict Mathurin managed 20 points, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jalen Smith and Aaron Nesmith generated matching 10-point tallies while pulling down five and two rebounds, respectively.

The Nets return home to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday afternoon, while the Pacers hit the road and visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon as well.