Rediscovering one’s footing after a 35-game absence is no easy feat, but with victories on his mind during his first month back, Aaron Nesmith found that occasional losses of balance were simply a part of the job. Aware of one surefire way to earn minutes within the Indiana Pacers’ stocked backcourt rotation, Nesmith takes to the floor, diving on the Washington Wizards’ midcourt logo in pursuit of a loose basketball. Hitting his transition-ready All-Star point guard in stride, Nesmith records a from-the-floor dime, setting up a two-handed flush that ties the game in the first quarter. In what became a four-point, come-from-behind win — with Washington leading for 39 of a possible 48 minutes — Nesmith’s selfless, hustle-minded plays became crucial puzzle pieces in November 17, 2024’s battle. After a 20-minute appearance, Nesmith’s final box score included eight points (on three-of-six shooting), one rebound, one assist, one steal, one block, and a 3-pointer. · Feb 13, 2025