The Brooklyn Nets didn’t finish opening night in the win column, but there’s still a big positive to take away from the game.

On Wednesday night, the Brooklyn Nets tipped off their 2026-27 season with a 110-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. After making several moves in the offseason, the Nets seemed poised to compete again this season, and they appear to be on the right track despite a loss.

In the loss to Charlotte, the Nets had several areas where they could’ve played better, but they may have hit on the most important piece of the puzzle. Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. each looked solid, and the fit between the two appears to be coming along nicely.

In Wednesday’s matchup against the Hornets, Porter opened his second season as a Net with 26 points on 10-of-21 shooting, while adding seven rebounds and three steals.…