Zubac hurts ankle as Pacers crush Nets

Indiana Pacers beat the Brooklyn Nets 136-109 in a game played at Barclays Center. Tyrese Haliburton was the standout for his team with 24 points and 10 assists. After the first quarter, the home side was ineffective on the court and fell apart defensively.

The win came at a heavy cost. Croatian center Ivica Zubac sprained his left ankle in the first period after stepping on Kelly Oubre Jr.'s foot. He was only able to play seven minutes. He left the arena on crutches after the game.

Head coach Rick Carlisle said the X-rays were negative but the ankle was swollen. Carlisle said it is unlikely Zubac will be available when the team faces the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.

With this defeat, the Nets have started the 2026-27 season without a win in three games. The team is led by Spaniard Jordi Fernandez. Brooklyn struggled to stop Indiana's perimeter shooters. Fernandez said he takes responsibility for the defensive collapse.

French rookie Nolan Traore stood out with 17 points, five assists and two blocks. German Moritz Wagner came off the bench and scored 13 points in 14 minutes. Russian Egor Demin added three points and two steals, while Israeli Danny Wolf contributed six points.