Brooklyn Nets: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener

2. Bad defense

It probably doesn’t need to be explained that giving up 140 points in the first regular season game of the year will count as a bad defensive performance. Brooklyn had no answers for the Pacers stars as they ran up and down the floor, scoring at will as Indiana turned the game into a shootout.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson was quick to note his displeasure with the team’s performance defensively while speaking with reporters and even made mention to considering lineup changes after one game.

"“It was a complete breakdown defensively. It’s disappointing because I thought we made strides in the preseason and played well defensively. Obviously, we’re going to have to find guys that want to defend.”"

The Pacers outscored Brooklyn 28-13 in transition baskets as their guards constantly broke down the defense on fast breaks. The Pacers’ big men also had their way with the Nets frontcourt, dominating down on the blocks with a 66-52 advantage in points in the paint.

I did manage to find one nice defensive play from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, starting a fast break the other way for Brooklyn during the first half.

Victor Oladipo shined brightly in his first game with the Pacers, creating issues defensively for Russell, Lin and company. While only playing 24 minutes due to foul trouble, Oladipo poured in 22 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out four assists on 8-of-12 shooting.

The Nets will need to form some sort of defensive game plan at home during their next matchup on Friday with the Orlando Magic. Orlando was able to put up big numbers of their own in their season debut matchup with the Miami Heat, winning 116-109.