The 2024-25 NBA season saw the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers face off multiple times, delivering thrilling games packed with standout performances and critical moments. These Eastern Conference rivals met four times during the regular season, with the Pacers dominating the series 3-1. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of each game, focusing on player statistics, key performances, and pivotal moments, while also exploring the broader context of their matchups, including a detailed look at the Brooklyn Nets vs Pacers timeline of the 2024-25 season.
The Nets vs. Pacers Rivalry: A Brief Overview
The Nets and Pacers have a storied history, with 199 regular-season games played since 1976, according to Land of Basketball. The Pacers lead the all-time series with 115 wins to the Nets’ 84. In the 2024-25 season, the teams clashed on December 4, 2024, January 6, 2025, March 20, 2025, and March 22, 2025. The Pacers’ high-octane offense, led by players like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, often clashed with the Nets’ scrappy, rebuilding roster, which relied heavily on young talent and veterans like Ziaire Williams and Day’Ron Sharpe. Below, we analyze each game in detail, starting with the Brooklyn Nets vs. Pacers timeline of the 2024-25 season matchups.
Game 1: December 4, 2024 – Pacers 120, Nets 108
The first meeting occurred at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where the Pacers secured a 120-108 victory. Indiana’s balanced attack overwhelmed a Nets team struggling with injuries and a depleted roster. According to NBA.com, the Pacers shot 50.5% from the field and 37.5% from three, while the Nets managed 46.7% and 34.3%, respectively.
Key Player Stats
| Team | Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | Pascal Siakam | 25 | 10 | 4 | 55.6% | 40.0% |
| Pacers | Tyrese Haliburton | 20 | 5 | 12 | 47.1% | 33.3% |
| Pacers | Myles Turner | 18 | 8 | 2 | 50.0% | 42.9% |
| Nets | Ziaire Williams | 22 | 6 | 3 | 52.9% | 37.5% |
| Nets | Day’Ron Sharpe | 15 | 12 | 1 | 60.0% | 0.0% |
Game Notes:
- The Pacers jumped out to a 35-24 lead in the first quarter, capitalizing on fast-break points (18 total).
- T.J. McConnell contributed 12 points and 6 assists off the bench for Indiana, showcasing their depth.
- The Nets’ Cam Thomas was sidelined with a hamstring injury, limiting their offensive firepower.
- Brooklyn struggled defensively, allowing 62 points in the paint.
Game 2: January 6, 2025 – Pacers 113, Nets 99
The second matchup, also at Barclays Center, saw the Pacers cruise to a 113-99 win, as reported by ESPN. Indiana’s bench and transition game proved too much for a Nets team missing key scorers like Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson. The Pacers improved to 19-18, going above .500 for the first time since their season opener, while the Nets fell to 13-23.
Key Player Stats
| Team | Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | Tyrese Haliburton | 23 | 4 | 8 | 50.0% | 36.4% |
| Pacers | Bennedict Mathurin | 20 | 7 | 2 | 47.6% | 33.3% |
| Pacers | Pascal Siakam | 19 | 9 | 3 | 52.9% | 50.0% |
| Nets | Day’Ron Sharpe | 16 | 13 | 1 | 54.5% | 0.0% |
| Nets | Tyrese Martin | 15 | 5 | 2 | 46.2% | 40.0% |
Game Notes:
- Indiana’s bench outscored Brooklyn’s 34-22, with Obi Toppin adding 11 points and 6 rebounds.
- The Pacers shot 6-of-8 from the field in the fourth quarter, pulling away with a 15-point lead.
- Brooklyn’s Noah Clowney chipped in 14 points, but the Nets’ 19 turnovers led to 24 points for Indiana.
- IndyStar noted Haliburton’s clutch three-pointer and Mathurin’s fast-break dunk as momentum-shifters.
Game 3: March 20, 2025 – Pacers 105, Nets 99 (Overtime)
The third game, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, was the closest of the series, with the Pacers edging out the Nets 105-99 in overtime. NBA.com reported that Bennedict Mathurin’s heroics in the extra period secured the win for Indiana, who moved to 40-29. The Nets, at 23-47, showed resilience despite their injury woes.
Key Player Stats
| Team | Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | Bennedict Mathurin | 28 | 16 | 3 | 48.0% | 37.5% |
| Pacers | Pascal Siakam | 20 | 8 | 4 | 47.6% | 33.3% |
| Pacers | T.J. McConnell | 12 | 5 | 7 | 41.7% | 0.0% |
| Nets | Ziaire Williams | 22 | 7 | 4 | 50.0% | 40.0% |
| Nets | Keon Johnson | 14 | 4 | 3 | 45.5% | 33.3% |
Game Notes:
- Mathurin scored six points in overtime, including a crucial three-pointer, as per ESPN.
- The Nets led by 8 in the fourth quarter but couldn’t hold off Indiana’s late surge.
- Myles Turner’s five three-pointers (5-of-9) kept the Pacers in the game early.
- Brooklyn’s 15 offensive rebounds gave them second-chance points but weren’t enough to overcome 21 turnovers.
Game 4: March 22, 2025 – Pacers 108, Nets 103
The final meeting, also at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, ended with a 108-103 Pacers victory, completing their 3-1 series win. ESPN highlighted Pascal Siakam’s clutch scoring in the final minutes and Myles Turner’s three-point shooting as decisive factors. The Nets, despite a valiant effort, fell to 23-47, while the Pacers solidified their playoff positioning.
Key Player Stats
| Team | Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | Pascal Siakam | 26 | 9 | 3 | 52.4% | 50.0% |
| Pacers | Myles Turner | 22 | 7 | 2 | 47.1% | 55.6% |
| Pacers | T.J. McConnell | 14 | 4 | 8 | 50.0% | 0.0% |
| Nets | Ziaire Williams | 20 | 6 | 3 | 48.6% | 37.5% |
| Nets | Noah Clowney | 16 | 8 | 1 | 46.7% | 33.3% |
Game Notes:
- Siakam scored eight points in the final 3:30, including a game-sealing layup.
- Turner’s five three-pointers (5-of-9) matched his performance from March 20.
- Obi Toppin’s 25-foot three-pointer and dunk, both assisted by McConnell, sparked a key third-quarter run.
- The Nets shot 4-of-5 against the spread in their last five games, per NBC Sports, but couldn’t close the gap.
Team Performance Trends
The Pacers’ success stemmed from their depth and versatility. They averaged 116.5 points per game against the Nets, with a 49.8% field goal percentage and 38.2% from three. Their bench, led by T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin, consistently outscored Brooklyn’s reserves. Indiana also capitalized on turnovers, averaging 22.3 points off Nets’ mistakes per game.
The Nets, in contrast, struggled with consistency due to injuries to Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson, and others. Their offense relied heavily on Ziaire Williams (21.0 PPG average vs. Pacers) and Day’Ron Sharpe’s rebounding (10.3 RPG). Brooklyn’s 47.1% field goal percentage was respectable, but their 20.5 turnovers per game proved costly.
Head-to-Head Stats (2024-25 Season)
| Category | Pacers | Nets |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 116.5 | 102.3 |
| Field Goal % | 49.8% | 47.1% |
| Three-Point % | 38.2% | 34.8% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 43.8 | 44.5 |
| Assists Per Game | 28.3 | 22.8 |
| Turnovers Per Game | 14.5 | 20.5 |
Standout Performers
Indiana Pacers
- Bennedict Mathurin: His 28-point, 16-rebound explosion on March 20 was a career highlight, showcasing his growth as a two-way wing.
- Pascal Siakam: Siakam’s consistency (22.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG) and clutch scoring made him Indiana’s go-to player.
- Tyrese Haliburton: Despite missing some games, Haliburton’s playmaking (9.0 APG average vs. Nets) set the tone.
- Myles Turner: Turner’s three-point shooting (47.1% on 8.5 attempts per game) stretched Brooklyn’s defense.
Brooklyn Nets
- Ziaire Williams: Williams emerged as a bright spot, averaging 21.0 points and shooting 49.8% from the field.
- Day’Ron Sharpe: Sharpe’s double-doubles (15.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG) provided energy in the paint.
- Noah Clowney: The young forward showed promise, averaging 12.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in the series.
Strategic Insights
The Pacers’ up-tempo style, ranking among the NBA’s top-five offenses, exploited the Nets’ defensive lapses. Indiana’s ability to spread the floor with shooters like Turner and Mathurin forced Brooklyn’s bigs out of the paint, opening driving lanes for Haliburton and McConnell. The Nets, meanwhile, leaned on isolation scoring and second-chance points but lacked the playmaking to match Indiana’s fluidity.
Brooklyn’s injury-riddled roster hindered their ability to compete consistently. The absence of Cam Thomas, who missed multiple games with a hamstring strain, left them without a primary scorer. The Nets’ youth movement, featuring players like Clowney and Keon Johnson, showed flashes but struggled against Indiana’s veteran core.
The Bigger Picture
The Pacers’ 3-1 series win reflected their playoff aspirations. By March 22, they held the fourth seed in the East with a 40-29 record, per The Playoffs. Their ability to win close games—three of their four victories were by six points or fewer—highlighted their resilience.
The Nets, at 23-47, were in full rebuild mode. Their 1-5 record in the final six games before March 22 signaled a focus on developing young talent and securing a high draft pick. Despite the losses, players like Williams and Clowney offered hope for the future.
Playoff Implications
For the Pacers, the Nets series reinforced their status as a contender in the East. Their depth, shooting, and defensive improvements under Rick Carlisle positioned them for a deep playoff run, potentially replicating their 2024 Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The Nets, however, faced a longer road, with their immediate focus on player development and roster retooling for 2025-26.
Long-Term Impact and Player Growth
Those Nets vs. Pacers games from last season really stood out. Bennedict Mathurin had a huge night on March 20—28 points and 16 rebounds. Pretty impressive. He also dropped 20 points back on January 6. The Pacers’ bench was clutch too. T.J. McConnell stepped up on December 4 with 12 points and 6 assists. Obi Toppin joined in on January 6, tossing in 11 points and 6 rebounds. Pascal Siakam was a rock. He grabbed 25 points and 10 rebounds on December 4, then hit 26 points on March 22.
Tyrese Haliburton kept things moving—12 assists on December 4, 8 on January 6. Myles Turner was raining threes, 5 on March 20 and 5 more on March 22. They stuck with their lineup after that. Over on the Nets side, Ziaire Williams was on fire. He scored 22 points on December 4 and again on March 20, averaging over 20 against the Pacers. Day’Ron Sharpe held it down inside—12 rebounds on December 4, 13 on January 6. Noah Clowney kept getting better. He had 14 points on January 6 and 16 on March 22. The Nets had injury trouble, though. They brought in a frontcourt guy mid-season to help out.
The Brooklyn nets vs Pacers timeline 2024-25—December 4, January 6, March 20, March 22—shows it all. Pacers took 3 wins. Nets fought hard. Mathurin’s March 20 game was a highlight. Sharpe’s boards kept Nets alive. Clowney stepped up each time. Haliburton’s passes drove the Pacers. Siakam’s scoring never let up. Turner’s threes were tough. McConnell and Toppin gave Pacers an edge. Williams pushed the Nets’ offense. Injuries hit hard, but that mid-season move tried to fix things. Those games shifted stuff for both teams.
