2 Studs, 1 dud from Indiana Pacers huge win over New York Knicks

Dud - TJ McConnell

TJ McConnell played 12:17 in the Indiana Pacers game against the New York Knicks, and he was a team-low -5 on the night. That is the only reason he is the dud from this game.

In reality, this was a game where almost everybody on the roster played well. The only reason McConnell lands in this spot by default is because he didn’t do too much… because he didn’t have to.

McConnell ended the game with five points and three assists while shooting 2-of-3 from the floor and 1-of-1 from the free-throw line.

But instead of diving any deeper into McConnell’s performance (since there’s not much to break down), let’s add a third dud to this list and talk about him briefly - Aaron Nesmith.

Since being inserted into the starting lineup, Nesmith has been nothing short of great for the Pacers, providing them with hustle defense and knockdown shooting when they need it most.

Against the Knicks, Nesmith finished the night with 25 points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal while shooting 8-of-13 from the floor and 7-of-11 from beyond the three-point arc.

Nesmith’s seven threes were the most of his career. It was just the second time a Pacers player other than Tyrese Haliburton has nailed at least seven threes in a game this season. (The other was Buddy Hield.)