Aaron Nesmith’s Injury Puts Pacers on Shaky Ground Against Knicks
A monumental series can swing on the smallest hinges. When Aaron Nesmith rolled his right ankle in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers' playoff dreams instantly seemed less secure. Midway through the third quarter, Nesmith leapt to throw a pass and came down hard, cracking his ankle in a way you could almost feel from the nosebleeds. Trainers hustled to his side, quickly taping him up and sending him back in to keep him loose, but it was clear from the start—something wasn't right.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported that Nesmith was noticeably limping after the matchup. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle admitted the risks of subbing Nesmith back in but wanted to avoid stiffness setting in, knowing they couldn’t afford a key defender sitting out and icing up. Even with medical tape and adrenaline, Nesmith’s movements lacked their trademark zip. These aren’t just aches and pains—playoff basketball punishes the slow-footed and rewards the relentless.
Defensive Anchor and Team Linchpin
Nesmith is hardly a household name, but ask anyone with eyes on the court—he’s a difference-maker, especially when matched up against Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' playmaking engine. Last postseason, Nesmith’s defense forced Brunson into subpar shooting: just 27-for-60. Compare that to Andrew Nembhard, who saw Brunson torch him, going 26-for-39. This year, the story is the same. When Nesmith guards him, Brunson has coughed up the ball more times than he’s dished out assists. That kind of performance puts Nesmith in rare company among perimeter defenders.
The numbers lay out an even bleaker picture for Indiana when Nesmith is on the bench. The Pacers normally outscore opponents by nine points per 100 possessions with Nesmith in the lineup. When he sits, things fall apart—the team is suddenly outgunned by more than 18 points per 100 possessions. It’s not just about what he does one-on-one with Brunson; he fuels their run-and-gun offense and makes Indiana’s rotations click. When Nesmith is hobbled or off the floor, the defense sags and the ball movement short-circuits.
The real fear is what happens once the adrenaline fades. Most ankle sprains feel worse the morning after. That postgame limp could turn into serious swelling and stiffness by Game 4. Nesmith may play, but if he can’t slide his feet, contest shots, or hit open threes, his presence won’t be the same. And against a Knicks team that leans on Brunson’s every move, taking away Indiana’s defensive ace could tip the balance of the entire series.
Right now, Aaron Nesmith’s ankle sprain isn’t just bad news for him—it’s a red alert for the Pacers’ shot at the Finals.
May, 28 2025