:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48390817/usa-today-9002764.0.jpg)
As Luke Skywalker once said, "If there is a bright center of the universe, you're on the planet its farthest from."
The Nets must feel that way after losing their 19th game of the season, 104 - 97, Friday night to the Indiana pacers, dropping them to 7-19 on the season and 1-12 on the road. It's also the fourth straight loss for the guys in black & white.
It was another tough fought game from Brooklyn that ended on a bad note due to a poor fourth quarter.
Things looked promising for the Nets as they scored 30 points in the third quarter and regained the first lead since the 18-17 in the first quarter. Jarrett Jack scored 14 of his 26 points in the quarter and suddenly the Nets were up by seven with 11:04 left in the game.
Then, the implosion happened.
Brook Lopez picked up his fifth foul with 6:34 remaining in the game. He was forced to check out as the Pacers were in the midst of a 15-2 run. They out-scored the Nets 32-20 in the fourth quarter as Paul George (23 points & 10 rebounds) led the Pacers to victory.
Meanwhile, Brook Lopez (18 points) was held to just four points in the second half, while leading scorer Jarrett Jack was held to two points in the fourth.
The Nets hit seven three-pointers and nailed all 17 of their free throws. They even limited the turnovers (12), but they just couldn't capitalize and dig this game out.
Thaddeus Young notched his 13th double-double of the season with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
The Pacers never quit, though, and it was in large part to Paul George's supporting cast and bench. C.J. Miles chipped in 15 points, while Jordan Hill came off the bench and finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Indiana's bench out-scored the Nets bench, 35-23. Andrea Bargnani was the only bench player for Brooklyn to finish in double figures (12 points).
The Nets will come back home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Sunday afternoon matinee affair.