Latest news with #Nesmith
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
2025 NBA Finals: Thunder and Pacers are the modern blueprint of what winning looks like
The deeper we go into the NBA Playoffs, the more one truth gets hammered home: If you've got a guy on the floor who can't shoot or defend, he's getting exposed and you're probably getting sent home. But the 3-and-D archetype with the guy who just stands in the corner isn't quite enough anymore. All players on the floor must ideally be able to dribble and make quick decisions. That's why the Boston Celtics won the title last year. Sure, they had stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. But they also surrounded them with well-rounded pieces. When Tatum and Brown were sharing the floor with Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford, everyone could shoot and make a read, and nobody was a defensive liability. Even with bench units, there was no obvious weak link. Advertisement The same blueprint is playing out this season with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers facing off in the NBA Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and at least one of Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, or Cason Wallace have shared the floor for 88% of Oklahoma City's playoff minutes. In 176 of those minutes, at least four of them have played together and, during that time, the Thunder have outscored opponents by a staggering 18.1 points per 100 possessions. Every single one of those guys can defend, process the game fast, and create offense either for themselves or someone else. SGA is the hub, but OKC's success hinges on the fact that nobody else gums up the system. Dort cuts. Wallace connects. Caruso makes instant reads. There's no ball-stopper, no spacer who can't dribble, no defender the Thunder can't trust to ferociously execute a game plan. Even OKC's bigs fit the mold: Chet Holmgren can shoot, pass, and handle. And while Isaiah Hartenstein doesn't shoot 3s, he plays with elite feel as a finisher and facilitator. (Henry Russell/Yahoo Sports Illustration) Indiana functions similarly. Tyrese Haliburton is their engine, but the pieces around him — Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner — are all skilled enough to play with tempo, precision, and relentless energy. And they all shoot the hell out of the ball: Nembhard, Nesmith, Siakam, and Turner are all shooting over 40% from 3 on over three attempts per game in the playoffs. Everyone can eat in this system. Nesmith of course had his all-time hot streak to fuel a historic Pacers comeback in Game 1. Siakam went off for 39 in Game 2 and 31 in Game 6 against the Knicks, winning himself East Finals MVP. Nembhard has had separate games with over 20 points and over 10 assists while playing lockdown defense. Even with bench units featuring T.J. McConnell and Thomas Bryant, the Pacers can go on a scoring flurry like they did to close out New York. Advertisement Their historic comebacks break the mold too. The Pacers don't turn to clear-out, hero-ball isolations. They stick with their flow: pace, movement, and speed. In the moments that most teams tighten up, Indiana just keeps running its offense. The throughline with both teams is clear: there are no dead zones, everyone is a threat. It's a roster with continuity and a system built on interchangeable skill sets, rapid processing, and nonstop effort. And two excellent coaching staffs led by Mark Daigneault and Rick Carlisle who constructed these systems and devised game plans to unleash their players' strengths. We've seen prototypes before, like the Beautiful Game Spurs, and the Warriors dynasty. But today's shift is a product of how the game has evolved. Pace is at an all-time high. So is spacing. A record-high 42.1% of shots were taken from 3 this season, and they were launched from farther than ever before: 26.2 feet on average above the break. Advertisement Screens are also being set farther from the hoop: the average on-ball screen came 25.7 feet from the rim, another all-time high. Defenses are switching more than ever: 24.6% of the time this year, up from just 7.7% a decade ago and 15.8% a half-decade ago. All of that means defenders have to cover more ground and do it faster than ever. Every offensive possession stretches the floor horizontally and vertically. On top of that, playoff officiating has made the game more physical than it's been in decades. Players have to be tough enough to absorb contact and relentless enough to fight through every screen, closeout, and rotation. That's part of why the Thunder and Pacers have made it this far. Both teams are deep with guys who meet those demands. Teams with shorter benches run out of answers fast. They either put a target on the floor or ask key players to dial it back to avoid fouling out. As always, when a blueprint starts working, everyone else tries to replicate it. But copying the trend and executing it are two very different things. And this year's playoff exits made that brutally clear. OKC is the model franchise. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) The Knicks and Timberwolves both made the conference finals, but neither felt like they belonged by the end of it. New York has a ton of guys who can generate shots and offer lengthy defense. But it's hard to win when your two best players are the weakest links on defense. Karl-Anthony Towns is an aloof liability at every spot on the floor. And Jalen Brunson is both tiny and unaware with poor technique fighting through screens. Until one of them is replaced, it's hard to take the Knicks seriously as a team that'll still be playing in June. Advertisement Minnesota looked like a team from another era against OKC. Julius Randle is a ball-stopper and Anthony Edwards dazzled on-ball but disappeared off it. At just 6-foot-3, Edwards has to evolve through movement: cuts, catch-and-shoot 3s, relocations, connective passing. And Minnesota's offense must change to best promote the development of its 23-year-old star. Coaches can only do with what they have though. The Pacers and Thunder were built from the top down by their front offices to play this way with rosters that can go deep into the bench. But the lead tacticians do have a choice in the matter. Daigneault spent all season experimenting with lineup combinations, playing everyone on his roster, creating a culture where everyone contributes to the greater good. The system Carlisle installed naturally promotes these habits on top of continuing to go deeper into his rotation as the playoffs advanced. One of the challenges for teams looking to take the next step will be navigating the new collective bargaining agreement with rules that make it nearly impossible to have three stars on max contracts and survive with one-dimensional role players on minimum deals. The Heatles approach is no longer a realistic option. We've exited the superteam era. And given the way the best teams are playing and the way they're constructed, and given the restrictions of the new CBA, this likely isn't a temporary trend. It's more of a structural shift where the teams that last are built around four pillars: shooting ability, quick decision-making, offensive adaptability, and defensive versatility. That foundation is necessary to support at least one superstar, who also must embrace those qualities. Some teams like the Cavaliers need to add more toughness. Others need shooting, like the Magic and Pistons. And some teams like the Rockets also need a star. Advertisement Even veteran teams will start to feel the pressure. If OKC levels up again next year, Denver will have to ask hard questions. Nikola Jokić checks every box the Nuggets could possibly want in a star. But do they have enough shooting around him? And can Michael Porter Jr. thrive in this era with his limited creation and defensive shortcomings? Golden State went out and got Jimmy Butler to support Steph Curry, but that isn't enough when the roster is littered with players who can't shoot or playmake. Has the contention window already shut on the Warriors and they just don't know it? And in Los Angeles, Luka Dončić's slow-it-down style may not get him quite as far as it did in Dallas given the way the NBA is evolving. The Lakers may need to rethink what it looks like to build around Luka. And Luka needs to rethink how much of the ball he really needs to dominate. Maybe being a top-five player isn't enough in this era. Maybe you can't be the system, but you have to thrive within one. So here we are: Thunder vs. Pacers for all the marbles. Two small-market franchises, built from the ground up, now defining what winning looks like in the modern NBA. They didn't do it with an aging max-contract trio. They did it with deep and versatile rosters that can throw out lineup after lineup of five guys who can all shoot, dribble, guard, and make decisions in half a second. Advertisement And none of this works without stars who buy in. SGA did. Haliburton did. When your best players excel within the system, the ceiling gets higher. The Thunder and Pacers are not just the Finals teams; they're the blueprint.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Aaron Nesmith injury update for Game 6: Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Eastern Conference Finals (May 31, 2025)
Is Aaron Nesmith playing tonight? (Image via AP Photo/AJ Mast) Aaron Nesmith will be available for the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 against the New York Knicks despite battling a sprained right ankle. The injury, sustained in Game 3, has visibly impacted his performance but hasn't kept him off the court. The Pacers have removed him from the injury report, confirming his status for tonight's crucial matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Aaron Nesmith's resilience has been notable throughout the series. After initially being listed as questionable for Games 4 and 5, he played through discomfort, showing flashes of strong play mixed with clear limitations from the injury. How the injury has affected Aaron Nesmith's performance The ankle sprain has created inconsistency in Aaron Nesmith's contributions. Here's a breakdown of his performance before and after the injury: Pacers injury report Game 6 (Image via NBA) Game Minutes Played Points Scored Shooting Efficiency Game 3 (pre-injury) 28 12 4/9 FG Game 4 32 16 6/11 FG Game 5 16 3 1/8 FG Key observations: - Nesmith played well in Game 4 despite the injury, showing toughness - His Game 5 performance was clearly hindered, with limited minutes and poor shooting - Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged Nesmith's sluggish start in Game 5, leading to an early substitution Aaron Nesmith's mindset heading into Game 6 Despite the pain, Nesmith has refused to make excuses. After Game 5, he admitted the ankle was stiff and hurting but emphasized his need to improve. His exact words: "It's stiff. It hurts, but it's no excuse. I just need to play better." This mentality has earned praise from teammates, who have called him a "warrior" for playing through the injury. His defensive effort and floor spacing remain crucial for Indiana's system, even if his offense isn't at full strength. Why Nesmith's availability matters for the Indiana Pacers Nesmith's role extends beyond scoring. Here's what he brings to the Indiana Pacers : - Strong perimeter defense against Knicks guards and wings - Reliable three-point shooting when healthy - Energy and hustle plays that fuel Indiana's pace With Tony Bradley's status questionable, Indiana's frontcourt depth is thin, making Nesmith's presence even more important. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo If he can regain his Game 4 form, the Indiana Pacers' chances of closing out the series improve significantly. What to expect from Nesmith in Game 6 Given his recent struggles, expectations should be tempered. However, his track record suggests he could still impact the game in key moments. Watch for: - Early substitutions if the ankle limits his mobility - Increased defensive assignments if his shot isn't falling - Possible reduced minutes if the Pacers need more offensive firepower Also read: How to watch New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 6: Time, TV channel, and free live stream (May 31, 2025) The Indiana Pacers are counting on Nesmith to fight through the pain one more time as they push for their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. His toughness will be tested, but his willingness to play through injury sets the tone for Indiana's gritty playoff run.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Aaron Nesmith not letting his sprained ankle become a Pacers ‘excuse'
INDIANAPOLIS — It didn't take long for Pacers coach Rick Carlisle to notice something wasn't right with Aaron Nesmith. Barely three minutes into Thursday's Game 5 loss to the Knicks, Nesmith — the hero of Indiana's comeback victory in the opener of the Eastern Conference finals — was on the bench and replaced by Ben Sheppard. Nesmith, who has been playing through a sprained right ankle since late in Game 3, missed seven of eight field-goal attempts in the game for a playoff-low three points while logging only 16 minutes in the Knicks' 111-94 Game 5 victory. 'We were just looking for people to go in there and battle,' Carlisle said when asked about Nesmith after the game. 'He got off to a bit of a slow start. I wasn't sure if maybe he was slowed a little bit by the ankle. Aaron Nesmith defends Jalen Brunson during the Pacers' Game 5 loss to the Knicks on May 29. Charles Wenzelberg 'So I got Sheppard in there right away, and then [Bennedict] Mathurin got a game going, so that dug into Aaron's minutes some. But everybody's just gonna have to be ready for Game 6 [on Saturday].' Mathurin scored a team-high 23 points in 25 minutes off the bench in his second straight 20-point performance following a slow start to the series with 11 combined points in the first three games. Follow The Post's coverage of the Knicks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs Sports+ subscribers: Sign up for Inside the Knicks to get daily newsletter coverage and join Expert Take for insider texts about the series. Aaron Nesmith defends as Jalen Brunson attempts a shot during the Pacers' Game 5 loss to the Knicks on May 29. Charles Wenzelberg Nesmith had been labeled 'a warrior' by teammates Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin after remaining in the starting lineup and scoring 16 points in 32 minutes in Game 4, two days after suffering the ankle sprain that has had him listed as questionable on the injury report for each of the past two games. 'It's stiff. It hurts, but it's no excuse,' Nesmith said after Game 5, according to the Indianapolis Star. 'Gotta be better. I was able to play Game 4. I could play today. There was no excuse. … I just need to play better.' The 25-year-old Nesmith buried six 3-pointers and scored 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Pacers stormed back from a 14-point deficit with under three minutes to play before taking Game 1 in overtime. He suffered the ankle injury in the third quarter of Game 3 before returning to the court in the fourth.
Indianapolis Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
'It hurts, but it's no excuse': Aaron Nesmith's sprained ankle cuts his minutes in half
NEW YORK -- Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith acknowledged that Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals was a little harder on his sprained right ankle than Game 4, which in part explains why he played just 16 minutes after playing 32 in Game 4 and suffering the injury in Game 3. However, Nesmith would not say that was why he made just 1 of 8 field goal attempts and scored just three points in the Pacers' 111-94 loss to the Knicks. "It's stiff," Nesmith said. "It hurts, but it's no excuse. Gotta be better. I was able to play Game 4. I could play today. There was no excuse." Nesmith got tripped up by Knicks center Mitchell Robinson when trying to guard Jalen Brunson with 8:32 to play in the first quarter and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took him out of the game right after. He checked back in with 7:54 to go in the second quarter but checked back out with 2:56 left in the half. However, Nesmith said the play with Robinson didn't affect him. "It wasn't a play today that made it worse," Nesmith said. "It's not an excuse. I just need to play better." Pacers coach Rick Carlisle mentioned Nesmith's ankle as a reason his minutes weren't very high. "We were just looking for people to go in there and battle," Carlisle said. "He got off to a bit of a slow start. I wasn't sure if maybe he was slowed a little bit by the ankle. I put (Ben) Sheppard in there right away and then (Bennedict) Mathurin got a game going. That dug into Aaron's minutes some. But every one's just gonna have to be ready for Game 6."
New York Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Aaron Nesmith has been Pacers ‘warrior' as he battles through injury
The various forms of around-the-clock treatments began almost immediately after Game 3 had ended, and they continued nearly until tipoff two nights later. Aaron Nesmith was determined to 'do whatever it takes' to play Tuesday in Game 4 against the Knicks after suffering a sprained ankle in the third quarter of the game. The red-lights therapy, the stim-machine treatment, the time spent in a hyperbaric chamber and constant ice-bag changes from his visiting mom appeared to work for Nesmith, who scored 16 points with a plus-20 rating as Indiana seized a 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference finals with a 130-121 win. 'It was a long 24-to-36 hours. But I couldn't wait for tipoff. That's all I could wait for,' Nesmith said after the game. 'When I got hurt, they came up to me and said, 'We want to see how you feel.' I was like, 'I don't care how I feel.' 'This is what we all live for. We prepare for this all year long, for our entire lives. … I can't miss these moments.' Aaron Nesmith slams home a dunk past Josh Hart during the Pacers' Game 4 win over the Knicks. NBAE via Getty Images Nesmith is listed as questionable again for Game 5 on Thursday at the Garden, after originally having the same designation for Game 4 after returning from the third-quarter injury for the final period two nights earlier. 'I was concerned what [Tuesday] would look like [for Nesmith],' Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. 'He got a lot of treatment [Monday]. Fortunately, we didn't have to travel. You get in a plane with an ankle and the thing has a tendency to blow up. 'He did a lot of treatment and has all kinds of electronic devices hooked up to him. I know his mom is in town helping him with ice and things like that. He was determined to be in this game.' Aaron Nesmith slams home a dunk during the third quarter of the Pacers' Game 4 win over the Knicks. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Nesmith, who nailed six 3-pointers and scored 20 points in the fourth quarter of the Pacers' Game 1 comeback victory, sank two 3s and threw down a dunk in Indy's 43-point opening quarter Tuesday night. Follow The Post's coverage of the Knicks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs Sports+ subscribers: Sign up for Inside the Knicks to get daily newsletter coverage and join Expert Take for insider texts about the series. 'Making the first couple shots helps you get into the game and the rhythm of the game,' Nesmith said. Teammates Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin both invoked the Paul O'Neill nickname to describe Nesmith. 'Double-A is a warrior,' Toppin said. 'He's going to go out there until he can't. He was able to go out there and play like he wasn't even hurt today.'
