Regardless of being a heavy underdog, the Indiana Pacers have surprised the NBA world by taking Recreation 1 of their second-round matchup towards the Cleveland Cavaliers, 121-112. These Pacers proceed to flourish below the grand postseason stage, as they’re boasting the identical core that that they had final 12 months once they made all of it the way in which to the Jap Convention Finals. And equally to final 12 months, the Pacers have been receiving wonderful contributions from 2022 second-round choose Andrew Nembhard, who continues to be a playoff riser.
It was Nembhard who ended up main the Pacers in scoring amid a balanced assault (that they had six double-digit scorers) with 23 factors, and he added six assists for good measure. Furthermore, he helped frustrate Donovan Mitchell to a poor capturing evening; Mitchell, regardless of recording 33 factors on the evening, shot 13-30 from the sector and a frigid 1-11 from past the arc.
The complete Pacers squad deserves loads of credit score for taking Recreation 1 and getting a win on the board on this collection, making the most of Darius Garland’s absence within the course of. Nevertheless it’s Nembhard who retains on shining below the postseason’s shiny lights, and followers, in consequence, are giving him the reward he deserves.
“When Nembhard was guarding Spida: Matchup Minutes: 7:57 Factors: 2 FGM: 1/10 3PM: 0/3 LOCKED DOWN….” X consumer @jmitchell_indy wrote.
“Playoff Nembhard is unquestionably a factor… He lookin’ like playoff Murray…” @PriceButler10 added.
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“Andrew Nembhard being a greater playoff performer than Harden is hilarious,” @snohsidepiece furthered.
It could solely be Nembhard’s second-go round within the playoffs, however one factor’s for certain, followers are recognizing that the Pacers guard is constructed for the second and by no means wilts below strain. This Pacers squad is filled with opponents like Nembhard, and it should not come as a shock to anybody in the event that they handle to upset the Cavs.
Pacers hearth on all cylinders in Recreation 1 win vs. Cavs
The Pacers have constructed their present contending id on an elite offense, and it confirmed of their Recreation 1 win over the Cavs. They shot 53 p.c from the sector and 52.8 p.c from three whereas holding the Cavs to a 9-38 capturing evening from past the arc. Indiana shared the rock as effectively and went into Cleveland with the intention of profitable as a crew, with six completely different Pacers scoring in double figures.
What’s troubling is that the Pacers allowed 70 paint factors to the Cavs and turned the ball over 9 extra instances than they did. They must clear up their execution and supply extra resistance on the inside to climate the capturing regression that can inevitably hit in some unspecified time in the future within the collection.