3 takeaways as Andrew Nembhard dominates and Indiana Pacers get much-needed win over Golden State Warriors
Last Monday, Indiana Pacers rookie guard Andrew Nembhard hit a buzzer-beating three-point shot over LeBron James to help the Pacers beat the Los Angeles Lakers. One Monday later, with the Pacers taking on the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Nembhard was even better.
Indiana started Nembhard at the point guard spot with Tyrese Haliburton injured and T.J. McConnell under the weather. Nembhard started on Sunday night as well under the same circumstances and finished with 16 points and eight assists.
On Monday, against the reigning NBA Champions, Nembhard finished with 31 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds. All three of those numbers are a career high for the rookie. He also defended two-time MVP Stephen Curry at a high level and held him to 12 points on 3/17 shooting. It was Nembhard's best game since joining the NBA ranks, and the blue and gold were a +16 with him on the floor.
"This guy has got amazing poise," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of Nembhard after the game. "He's strong, he's old school but new school. He's special."
Nembhard has had an impressive road trip for the blue and gold, averaging 15.6 points and 7.2 assists per game across five games. Without him, the Pacers likely don't have a single win on their current trek out West.
On top of Haliburton and McConnell, Myles Turner, Daniel Theis, Chris Duarte, and James Johnson were also out for Indiana's game against Golden State. Carlisle had to use a funky rotation with only 11 players available. But it worked out as the Pacers won 112-104 and improved to 13-11. They are tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.
"Resilient group we have, and they’ve been like this all year," Carlisle said after the game. There are some key takeaways for the Pacers after a much-needed win.
Andrew Nembhard needs more reps at point guard.
When Indiana is fully healthy, Nembhard starts at the small forward spot. That allows him to play and get plenty of playing time, but most of his offensive reps are off ball in those instances. He still succeeds in those moments thanks to his outside shot, but he needs more opportunities to make plays with the ball in this hands.
McConnell may need to play fewer minutes per game upon his return from illness. That way, Nembhard can continue to grow and improve as a floor general, where he is clearly very talented. He's had two double doubles in the Pacers last three games, and his calmness makes his teammates better.
Haliburton is worthy of heavy playing time at the lead ball handler spot, so it may take some creativity to get Nembhard enough reps at the one. But Carlisle has to find a way given how impressive the 31st overall pick has looked recently.
Everybody stepped up.
The Pacers could not have upset the Warriors without a total team effort, and everybody was important in the victory.
Beyond Nembhard, Indiana got a career night out of Kendall Brown, the 48th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He hasn't played much this season, but he gave Carlise a crucial 18 minutes on Monday night. He finished with three points, five rebounds, and two assists. It was his best game, and most minutes, as a pro.
Trevelin Queen got playing time for the second straight game. Jalen Smith nearly had a double double with 15 points and nine rebounds. Buddy Hield drilled some key threes while Bennedict Mathurin, in his first career start, got to the foul line eight times. Oshae Brissett and Isaiah Jackson shot the ball well.
Everyone who suited up for the Pacers did their job and had a solid night. That was a necessity for the blue and gold to pull off the upset, and they did.
The Pacers finally started strong.
Indiana was forced to play a drastically altered starting lineup in this game, and it was effective. The Pacers were up 34-21 at the end of the first quarter, marking just the fourth time in the entire season that the blue and gold were ahead after one frame.
The prior three times weren't as impressive. They led by eight points after the first quarter once and led by two twice. This start against Golden State was their best of the year and first lead of 10+ points after one quarter. It set the tone for the night.
With few resources available, Carlisle started Nembhard, Mathurin, Hield, Aaron Nesmith, and Smith. That lineup was a +6 in over ten minutes of action. Said group may not work every game, but it certainly did on Monday, and the Pacers needed it.
Indiana will finish their seven-game road trip in Minnesota on Wednesday night when they battle the Timberwolves.
- League source tells AllPacers the latest on Chris Duarte's ankle injury. CLICK HERE.
- Former Pacers All-Star center Domantas Sabonis on the Indiana Pacers: 'They're having a great season'. CLICK HERE.
- Inside Tyrese Haliburton's return to Sacramento and the emotions behind the game. CLICK HERE.
- Tyrese Haliburton misses time for Indiana Pacers with groin injury, status to be determined going forward. CLICK HERE.
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