It’s not often that an Indiana Pacers play can change the trajectory of a game. But a dunk by Aaron Nesmith did exactly that.
While down by 1 point to the Cavaliers, Aaron Nesmith took out his frustrations on the rim with one of the best dunks you will see during a game. Not only that but it was over one of the best defenders in the NBA of Jarrett Allen.
Aaron Nesmith has been having himself quite a week playing at a career level. If this is sustainable in any way, the Indiana Pacers are going to look like the victor in the Malcolm Brogdon trade by a lot. The former lottery pick hadn’t had time on the court to really develop in Boston, and he appears to have more growth to do.
After Nesmith’s dunk, the Pacers were able to take control of the game and never looked back, essentially changing the trajectory of the game altogether.
And boy of boy did twitter react to the dunk. Here are some of the best reactions from Pacers and NBA twitter:
The look on the announcer’s face and reaction to the dunk is absolutely priceless.
our PA announcer Troy Pepper's reaction to Aaron Nesmith's dunk last night is amazing.🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/SE0BrImPQx
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 30, 2022
Is this an overreaction? We aren’t sure if it is an all-time pacers dunk, but it certainly was an amazing in-game dunk.
aaron nesmith just had an all time pacers dunk holy crap lol
— whitney medworth (@its_whitney) December 30, 2022
pic.twitter.com/zMCibs1DqH
It appears that Haliburton and Turner were in a similar state to the rest of us. Shock and awe.
https://twitter.com/AKRileyy5/status/1608651813712203777
The coaches were even impressed and talked glowingly of the role that Nesmith is carving out for himself in the Pacers starting rotation.
Lloyd Pierce on Aaron Nesmith after his 22-point night against the Cavs: "He is the ultimate team guy. He plays a role that a lot of guys in the NBA are afraid to play. ... He has no problem with any role that we give him. ... We're all excited for Aaron." #Pacers pic.twitter.com/4RlrshnMFm
— Bally Sports Indiana (@BallySportsIN) December 30, 2022
Jarrett Allen is going to be seeing Nesmith in his nightmares for a few weeks know. The dunk was borderline traumatizing.
Excuse me, I just witnessed a murder.
— iPacers.com (@iPacersblog) December 30, 2022
Aaron Nesmith, show some mercy. My goodness. pic.twitter.com/Ed5jOEgjbH
Apparently Tyrese Haliburton was super pumped about the dunk trying to get Nesmith to talk more about it in postgame interviews.
As Aaron Nesmith makes his way to the podium, Tyrese Haliburton is shouting “talk about the dunk!”
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) December 30, 2022
He scored 12 of his 22pts in the 4th and was good defensively. pic.twitter.com/HX4baQeGJ3
Apparently both Haliburton and Myles feel that this is something that could be built upon in the coming weeks.
On Aaron Nesmith's dunk and what it allowed the Pacers to do down the stretch last night.
— Tony East (@TonyREast) December 30, 2022
"It was amazing. It was probably the best dunk I’ve ever seen in person," Tyrese Haliburton said. "I just saw his confidence rise," Myles Turner added: https://t.co/7JniNHIRDR
And if you still haven’t seen the dunk enough, here it is from every angle. One thing to look for: look at Tyrese’s face after the dunk. The man looks to be in shock.
every angle of Aaron Nesmith's dunk.😳 pic.twitter.com/RcQ78YhRm3
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 30, 2022
We will see if Nesmith can continue this play on Sunday against the Clippers. If so, Nesmith will easily have found himself as a starter in this league and played his way into the Indiana Pacers long-term plans.