Andrew Nembhard was the unknown hero for Indiana Pacers Initially appeared on Sports activities Athlon.
Andrew Nembhard has turn into a key distinction producer for the Indiana Pacers all through their Cinderella post-season race.
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Nembhard’s affect usually goes past the statistics sheet, however he was a dependable secondary playmaker and a flexible defender throughout the NBA 2025 qualifiers.
In match 1 of the NBA last, Nembhard posted a 14-point statistical line, 4 rebounds and 6 assists to assist the Pacers steal a victory on highway 111-110 in opposition to the Thunder of Oklahoma Metropolis.
Nembhard’s bidirectional affect was decisive within the part whereas Indiana rose their thrilling return.
“He made video games at each ends,” mentioned Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle about Nembhard’s contributions. “The one cease on Shai on the finish was a giant sport, then we obtained the rebound. There was the three -way again go, which was a giant momentum. I feel it went from six to 3. And there was one and one, it occurred on the sting … They make a number of video games and you must have play gamers in opposition to Oklahoma Metropolis. They make it so troublesome.”
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Nembhard supplied a steady presence for Indiana in its very first match of the NBA last, taking part in each underneath management and rhythm on the offensive aspect of the soil. Nembhard was additionally accountable for conserving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, forcing his Olympic teammate to go to solely 3 of 9 in opposition to him of their head-to-head clashes.
“If there’s a man who we wish to hold the final possession, it’s drawn,” mentioned the pacers goalkeeper Tj McConnell.
Nembhard and the Indiana Pacers will attempt to win one other highway victory in match 2 of the NBA last on Sunday at 7 p.m. CST.
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This story was initially reported by Sports activities Athlon On June 9, 2025, the place he appeared for the primary time.