Star-studded Nets fall to depleted Pacers, off to worst start in KD-Kyrie era

Rookie Bennedict Mathurin scored a career-high 32 points, Tyrese Haliburton added 26 and the Indiana Pacers beat the Brooklyn Nets 125-116 on Saturday night.

Mathurin, who had 27 points at Detroit on Oct. 22, made a career-best six of Indiana’s 23 3-pointers.

Isaiah Jackson had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds and Buddy Hield chipped in 17 for the Pacers.

Kyrie Irving scored 35 points on 13 for 22 shooting from the field for the struggling Nets, who have lost their last four games. Brooklyn’s defense has allowed 124.5 points per game during a four-game skid.

Irving has come under fire after he appeared to show support to an antisemitic film two days ago. He said before the game that he believes in all religions. Brooklyn trailed 92-90 to start the four quarter before for Pacers went on a 13-5 run to take a 105-95 advantage with 8:34 left on Jackson’s layup.

Kevin Durant then scored four straight points to cut the deficit 108-101 but reserve guard Chris Duarte’s 3-pointer started a 6-0 run that extended the lead 114-101 with 5:39 left.

Mathurin helped Indiana out to a 63-62 halftime lead with 22 points. He shot 5 for 8 from the field, including 4 for 5 from long distance.

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HOT STOVE

San Diego Padres All-Star right fielder Juan Soto took advantage of his visit to New York and attended the game.

HIT THE ROAD

Indiana has gone 2-2 during its five-game road trip. It’s their second-longest stretch away from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse this season. The Pacers will play seven straight road games, all against Western Conference teams starting with a visit to Los Angeles to play the Clippers on Nov. 27. They finish it up with a Dec. 7 meeting at the Minnesota Timberwolves.

TIP INS:

Pacers: Mathurin previous career-high in 3-pointers made was five at Detroit on Oct. 22.

Nets: G Seth Curry made his season debut after recovering from arthroscopic left ankle surgery in May. He went scoreless in 18 minutes, missing five shots – all 3-pointers.

UP NEXT:

Pacers: Remain in New York to play Brooklyn.

Nets: Host Indiana on Monday night.