The Nets surged ahead early, even as Detroit entered with the stronger record and power-index ranking.
Brooklyn took a 28-21 lead in the first quarter and is up 31-23 early in the second. The Nets have outscored Detroit 3-2 so far in the second, extending their cushion to eight. Julius Randle and Cade Cunningham lead all scorers with 8 points apiece, while Randle has hit 2 of 3 from deep. Moritz Wagner has added 7 points on 3-of-4 shooting for Brooklyn. The early edge is a sharp contrast to the standings: Detroit is 4-1 and ranked fourth in the power index, while Brooklyn is 0-4 and ranked 29th.
Key Performers
Julius Randle (Brooklyn): 8 PTS, 4 REB, 2-of-3 3PT Cade Cunningham (Detroit): 8 PTS, 2 AST Moritz Wagner (Brooklyn): 7 PTS, 3-of-4 FG