Andrew Nembhard has been locking down some of the biggest names in the league throughout the playoffs, and it's about time he got his respect. So far this postseason, the Indiana Pacers guard has locked down Damian Lillard (23.1% on 13 shots), Donovan Mitchell (23.3% on 43 shots), Jalen Brunson (38.2% on 34 shots), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (41.2% on 51 shots). Nembhard has been crucial to the Pacers' defense all season long, and he has stepped up in a major way in the playoffs.
Indiana drastically improved on the defensive side of the ball this season, and Nembhard is a big reason for that. The Canadian native has had the tools to be a great defensive player since joining the NBA a few years ago, but he has turned it up another level this season. With the Pacers just one win away from an NBA Championship, they will continue to rely on Nembhard to do what he has done all year, and that is make the opposition as uncomfortable as possible.
Andrew Nembhard's defense has been fantastic in the playoffs
Offensively, Nembhard has had an up-and-down postseason, but he has mostly shown up on defense when the Pacers need him most. And against some of the best guards in the league, including the reigning MVP, they needed him a lot. Fortunately, he has delivered and is a big reason the Pacers are as successful as they are.
The Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder will meet up for a win-or-go-home Game 7 on Sunday night, and this will be the ultimate test for Nembhard. He has been solid all year, but this is when the lights will be at their brightest, and he will be tasked with trying to slow down Gilgeous-Alexander for the NBA Championship. A lot rides on Nembhard's defense in Game 7, but if he has made one thing clear throughout the playoffs, the Pacers can rely on him to get the job done.
Of course, Nembhard will not be the only Pacer who needs to step up for the team in Game 7, but he may be the team's X-factor. It is not likely that he is going to lead the team in scoring or have an offensive masterclass, but his defensive contributions may be what leads Indiana to their first-ever NBA title.
The Canadian native has been fantastic all postseason, but he has one game left to solidify his campaign. If he can do exactly that, he and the Pacers might forever be etched in the history books as the 2025 NBA Champions.