The Indiana Pacers are on a roll, and it’s not just their offense that’s getting the attention. In Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, 25-year-old guard Andrew Nembhard stole the show with his clutch defense and all-around playmaking skills.
Nembhard, who has been the Pacers’ go-to stopper on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all season, came up huge in the fourth quarter, including a game-tying stepback 3-pointer over SGA. His defensive prowess was on full display as he held off OKC’s Lu Dort and got crucial rebounds.
“Shai is the hardest guy to cover one-on-one in the NBA,” Pacers guard T.J. McConnell said of Nembhard’s ability to guard Gilgeous-Alexander. “If there’s a guy that we want guarding the last possession, it’s Drew.”
Coach Rick Carlisle praised Nembhard’s performance, saying he made big plays at both ends and was instrumental in the Pacers’ comeback victory. The team’s confidence in Nembhard is evident, with Haliburton referring to him as their “guy” who has been making big plays all season.
The Pacers’ win sets the tone for the series, which promises to be a closely contested battle between two of the NBA’s best teams. For now, though, it’s all about Nembhard and his incredible playmaking skills that helped the Pacers secure a thrilling 108-105 victory over OKC.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6407413/2025/06/06/andrew-nembhard-pacers-tyrese-haliburton-nba-finals