3 Nets takeaways from 116-103 win over Hornets in first home victory

The Brooklyn Nets (4-16) had a disappointing start to their season coming out of the Thanksgiving break as they had two blowout losses to make up for. Brooklyn once again had another chance of winning their first home game of the 2025-26 NBA season against the visiting Charlotte Hornets (6-15) and the Nets finally made good on the opportunity.

The Nets beat the Hornets 116-103 as they made sure to make plenty of plays on the defensive end on their way to a much-needed victory for the morale of the team. Forward Michael Porter Jr. returned after missing two games to low back tightness and he put up 35 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while forward Noah Clowney had 18 points and four assists.

Rookie Kon Knueppel led the way for the Hornets with 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists while Collin Sexton had 15 points and six rebounds off the bench. Brooklyn not only ended their four-game losing streak, but they also won their first home game of the season so with that being said, here are three Nets takeaways from Monday's win over the Hornets:

Michael Porter Jr. Returns With A Flurry

Porter missed the past two games with what the Nets described as "low back tightness" which understandably should have been a little concerning given his history with back injuries. However, Porter returned to Brooklyn's lineup and not only was able to 36 minutes in the win over the Hornets, but he put up 35 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals to lead his team to the first home win of the season.

Noah Clowney Continues Offensive Evolution

Clowney has already proven that he can be a vital member of Brooklyn's rotation ever since he entered the starting lineup with his ability to shoot the three-pointer and get to the basket. What was more impressive to see from Clowney against the Hornets was his willingness to allow for Porter to have his big offensive game while being ready to take advantage of any cracks in Charlotte's defense, such as when he dunked on Ryan Kalkbrenner.

Nic Claxton Skill Progressions

Nets fans know by now that Claxton is one of the more skilled centers in the league just by the nature of his ability to handle the ball that goes back to his days as a point guard before growing to almost seven feet tall. Seeing the way that Claxton was giving Ryan Kalkbrenner a step listen along with the fact that the former Georgia Bulldog continues to be an integral part of the Nets' offense from a passing perspective is interesting to watch.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 3 Nets takeaways from 116-103 win over Hornets in first home victory