INDIANAPOLIS — The Nets got their first win but won’t have long to savor it. They’ll face the champion Knicks Monday in the Garden, which has become their own house of horrors.
The Nets crossed the East River twice last season, losing the first 134-98 on Nov. 9 and then an even worse loss Jan. 21, 120-66.
That second one was the biggest loss in the history of the rivalry, the second biggest in Nets history, and still sticks in their craw. At least, Michael Porter Jr. says it should.
“We’ve got a big game [Monday] that we should be very excited to play,” Porter said. “Last year, when we went to the Garden, it was not pretty, and we should remember that and look forward to getting our rest [Sunday night] and going in there and being competitive. I know I’m looking forward to it.”
Julius Randle, who made three All-Star games in his five years playing for the Knicks, will face his old team for the first time as a Net.
“I’m sure it’ll be a lot of fun,” said Randle, unaware of the recent blowouts.
“No, I don’t know nothing about it. I live in the present, baby. … Focus on what we need to do to get a win, build off of what we did [Sunday] and stick together as a group.”
The Nets will get some reinforcements for Monday.
Mikel Brown Jr. missed the win in Indiana with back injury management. The Nets downplayed any concerns, and head coach Jordi Fernández confirmed the rookie is expected back against the Knicks.
Brown has been under a minutes limit and remains so. The point guard logged a career-high 28 minutes in Tuesday’s loss in Boston, then 23 in a disappointing home loss to the Pistons on Friday.
Day’Ron Sharpe had 15 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and hit his only 3-point attempt Sunday. The points and boards were season highs and marked the fourth time in his career he’d had at least 13 points and 13 rebounds.
“Unbelievable. He was big on the boards. He did a little of everything: He made his 3. He set screens. Very happy for him. We don’t win this game without him, and the reality is how much he cares about winning and impacting winning,” Fernández said.
“I told him finally he gets more than 10 rebounds. I think he can do that night in, night out, get 10-plus rebounds. And if he does that, we’re gonna be a hard team to beat, especially if he’s getting four offensive rebounds,” Porter said. “As long as he’s a force, he’s getting fouled on the glass — that’s his superpower — if we’re getting that from him, then we’re really happy, for sure.”
