If the Indiana Pacers are going to defeat the New York Knicks and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000, then Aaron Nesmith is going to need to make his mark. The stars may be stealing headlines, but Nesmith is in store for matchups that could swing the momentum of the series.
A rising force in Indiana's lineup, the moment has officially arrived for Nesmith to prove that he's ready to become a championship-caliber contributor.
Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton are the headlining acts in this series, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Pacers big men Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner not far behind. Nesmith, however, is in store for a battle that will determine how effective the starter-heavy Knicks prove to be.
Whether he matches up more consistently against OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges, the bottom line is that Nesmith needs to match their value.
It's a tall task, as Anunoby and Bridges have both turned in star-caliber performances during the playoffs and latter stages of the regular season. Both are also likely to play in the ballpark of 40 minutes during any competitive games this series produces.
The burden doesn't fall exclusively to Nesmith, but if the Pacers are hoping to reach the NBA Finals, then he must step up on both ends of the floor.
Aaron Nesmith must offset impact of OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges
There's instant reason for optimism on Indiana's side of the equation, as Nesmith is in the midst of a phenomenal postseason. He's thus far averaging 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 blocks, 0.7 steals, and 2.7 three-point field goals made in 29.6 minutes per game.
Nesmith has maintained an unfathomable level of efficiency during that time, producing a slash line of .520/.482/.867 and an eFG% of .652.
Unfortunately, he's struggled to provide the same value on the other end of the floor. Giannis Antetokounmpo shot 14-of-18 when Nesmith defended him, while Donovan Mitchell went 14-of-26, and Gary Trent Jr. was 6-of-11.
Furthermore, Nesmith is averaging 4.0 personal fouls per game, committing at least four in five of his past six appearances.
Anunoby and Bridges clearly aren't Antetokounmpo or Mitchell, but Nesmith is in no way in store for a series off. Anunoby has scored 20-plus points in four of the past seven games, and Bridges reached that plateau in two of the last three.
Beyond the numbers, Anunoby and Bridges have the capacity for dominant defensive play—and have both come up with remarkably clutch contributions during the Knicks' run to the Conference Finals.
If Nesmith is able to match their value during the situations in which he's matched up against them, however, the Pacers should have a chance to win this series. The statistical hurdle to keep in mind: New York is 6-0 when either Anunoby or Bridges score at least 20 points this postseason.
The stars will drive the narratives, and perhaps even the series itself, but Nesmith will have his hands full with Anunoby and Bridges along the wings.