In a postseason filled with superstar performances and unforgettable moments, it’s often the under-the-radar players — the glue guys, the grinders, the ones who do the dirty work — that swing a series. For the Indiana Pacers, that player has been Andrew Nembhard. And no one understands his impact more than Head Coach Rick Carlisle.
Following a gritty Game 1 performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals, Carlisle took a moment during his postgame presser to highlight the second-year guard’s defensive brilliance.
“Andrew Nembhard has a mindset that every coach dreams of,” Carlisle said. “He doesn’t take possessions off. He studies film like a veteran. He understands angles, timing, matchups — and most importantly, he cares. That’s what sets him apart. He takes pride in stopping the guy in front of him.”
While Game 1 ultimately went the Thunder’s way — powered by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a well-rounded OKC squad — it was Nembhard’s defensive performance that kept the Pacers within striking distance for much of the night. Tasked with guarding Gilgeous-Alexander for large stretches, Nembhard disrupted the Thunder’s rhythm with timely switches, ball pressure, and smart closeouts.
It’s the kind of contribution that doesn’t always show up in the box score — but makes all the difference on the hardwood.
A Defensive Anchor in the Making
Nembhard, the 24-year-old Canadian guard out of Gonzaga, was a second-round draft pick in 2022. Not many expected him to be a starter on a Finals-caliber team this early in his career, but he’s proven the doubters wrong at every turn. Throughout the 2025 playoffs, he’s taken on some of the league’s toughest assignments — from Damian Lillard to Jalen Brunson — and never backed down.
His ability to stay locked in, anticipate actions, and play physical without fouling has turned him into a defensive specialist. But Carlisle insists it’s more than just technique.
“Andrew has this quiet fire,” Carlisle explained. “He’s not flashy. He’s not loud. But when the game gets tight and we need a stop, he’s one of the first guys I look at.”
That trust was on full display in Game 1. Despite the magnitude of the moment and the electric atmosphere at Paycom Center, Nembhard didn’t flinch. He fought over screens, rotated with purpose, and kept Gilgeous-Alexander from getting comfortable.
“He’s a competitor,” said Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. “You look at what he brings to our team — especially on defense — and you know why Coach trusts him so much. He’s a big part of why we’re here.”
Looking Ahead to Game 2
With Game 2 looming on Sunday at 8:00pm/et on ABC, the Pacers are focused on adjustments — and Nembhard’s role will only grow larger. Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 34 points in Game 1, but he had to work for every bucket. Carlisle is betting that Nembhard, with another game of film study and in-game experience, will be even more effective the second time around.
“We’re confident heading into Game 2,” Carlisle said. “We saw some things we can build on. And we know that Andrew’s going to give us everything he’s got — just like he always does.”
Nembhard himself is characteristically modest when asked about his performance.
“I just try to do my job,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of talented scorers. For me, it’s about making it tough for the other team’s best guys, playing smart, and doing whatever it takes to win.”
His selflessness, combined with an evolving defensive IQ, has made him an invaluable part of the Pacers’ Finals journey. He’s also become a fan favorite in Indiana, where blue-collar effort and hustle are still deeply appreciated.
Defensive Mindset = Championship DNA
What’s clear to anyone watching this series is that Indiana’s path to a potential championship runs through players like Nembhard — guys who embrace the grind, lean into the moment, and play with purpose. While Haliburton and Pascal Siakam will draw headlines for their scoring, it’s the defensive presence of Nembhard that might ultimately define this series.
Game 2 offers another opportunity — not just for the Pacers to even the series, but for Nembhard to continue carving out his legacy as a premier perimeter defender on the biggest stage.
As the lights shine brighter and the pressure mounts, Rick Carlisle isn’t worried.
“Andrew’s built for this,” he said. “He has the mind of a vet, the heart of a warrior, and the humility of someone who just wants to help the team. That’s rare. That’s special.”
So as fans tune in Sunday night for Game 2 of the #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV, keep an eye on No. 2 in navy and gold. He may not dominate the highlight reels — but when it comes to shutting down the league’s best, Andrew Nembhard is as important as anyone on the floor.
