Returning from a two-game absence , Michael Porter Jr. dropped a game-high 35 points and hit seven 3-pointers, his most this season and one short of a career high, leading the Nets to a 116-103 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday for their first home victory of the year and their fourth win of the season.

It was Porter’s team-leading sixth 30-point outing of the season, matching the most he’s recorded in any year of his career and underscoring just how essential he’s become to Brooklyn’s offense. Beyond his scoring, the Nets took the turnover battle 11-18 and the offensive glass 13-7, which led to 11 extra shots and ultimately swung the game.

However, the night opened with some early confusion. The Nets weren’t sure who was supposed to pick up Kon Knueppel off the opening tip, and

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