Rostering six double-digit scorers has encouraged the Indiana Pacers to unselfishly master the art of “knowing one’s place” offensively. But, as opportunities to defeat a 64-win juggernaut on its home floor presented themselves three times, Andrew Nembhard, ironically, couldn’t resist the chance to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers’ defense in need of a map. Often unrushed, and as poised as any, Indy’s third-year star fuses speed and shiftiness seamlessly against Sam Merrill, unleashing a joystick-like switch-hand, crossover, stepback triumvirate that puts the two on opposite ends of the earth. Efficient as always, Nembhard curtains the possession with a trifecta, furthering the Pacers’ soon-successful upset plans on May 4, 2025. Two postseasons in, and already secure in his reputation as a rise-to-the-occasion playoff performer, Indiana’s shoulder-bumping, chair-pulling, clutch-scoring two guard starred in Game One, logging a team-best 23 points and six assists. The shooting numbers were of equal excellence, as Nembhard was nearly pristine overall (7-of-10), from deep (five-of-six), and from the foul line (four-of-four). · May 4, 2025