By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Indiana Pacers dominated on Sunday night, hammering the Brooklyn Nets 136–109 at Barclays Center. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 24 points and ten assists.
However, the win came with a price. Croatian Ivica Zubac played just seven minutes. With 4:57 left in the opening period, the 29-year-old big stepped on Kelly Oubre Jr.’s foot while chasing a rebound, spraining his left ankle. Zubac left the floor with two points, two assists, and one rebound. He later exited the arena on crutches.
Postgame, head coach Rick Carlisle shared an update on his starting center. With the x-ray negative but the ankle swollen, the 66-year-old tactician said it is unlikely Zubac will play Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Defensive woes
The loss drops Brooklyn to 0–3 to start the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season. Coached by Spanish Jordi Fernandez, the group struggled to contain Indiana’s perimeter shooters. Despite the blowout, a few European prospects provided bright spots.
French guard Nolan Traore tallied 17 points, five assists, and two blocks. German Moritz Wagner provided additional punch off the bench, registering 13 points in 14 minutes. Russian starter Egor Demin added three points and two steals, while Israeli Danny Wolf tallied six points, and fellow Israeli Ben Saraf chipped in two points in brief action.
“This one really got away after the first quarter. We had the right intentions. We’re on the first back-to-back of the season, and there’s no excuses here,” Fernandez admitted, reflecting on the defensive collapse. “I’m not going to blame my players. I’m going to blame myself.”
“Just wanted to help the team with my strength, touching the paint, making plays,” mentioned 20-year-old Traore. “That’s the main thing. My teammates set good screens on me, and I’m able to make reads.”
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