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In a thrilling finish that sent the Indiana crowd into a frenzy, Andrew Nembhard put together one of his finest performances as a pro, guiding the Pacers to a nail-biting 120-119 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The former Gonzaga standout finished with 13 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds — a masterclass in composure and execution under postseason pressure.
Nembhard’s fingerprints were all over Indiana’s stunning comeback. With just under 30 seconds remaining and the Pacers facing a deficit, the second-year guard read the play perfectly and snatched a critical inbounds pass. That moment flipped momentum and paved the way for Tyrese Haliburton’s eventual game-winning three-pointer, but it was Nembhard’s anticipation and defensive instincts that ignited the closing sequence.
Nembhard didn’t just come up big in one moment; he consistently made the right reads, kept the offense humming, and distributed the ball precisely. His 13 assists marked a playoff career high, and his willingness to attack the boards added a physical edge to his already polished game.
While Donovan Mitchell scored 48 points for Cleveland, Indiana's collective effort and poise, led by players like Nembhard, stole the spotlight late and allowed Haliburton's heroics. Nembhard's growth as a two-way player at the NBA level reinforces Gonzaga’s reputation for player development.
Back in Spokane, Nembhard’s continued success in the postseason serves as a powerful recruiting pitch. The Bulldogs are still searching the transfer portal for key additions ahead of the 2025-2026 season, and showcasing alumni like Nembhard thriving at the highest level only strengthens the Zags’ position in those conversations.
As the series heads to Indiana, Nembhard’s leadership will remain vital in the Pacers’ quest for a deep playoff run, and his impact is only just beginning to be fully recognized.
Continue reading...
Nembhard’s fingerprints were all over Indiana’s stunning comeback. With just under 30 seconds remaining and the Pacers facing a deficit, the second-year guard read the play perfectly and snatched a critical inbounds pass. That moment flipped momentum and paved the way for Tyrese Haliburton’s eventual game-winning three-pointer, but it was Nembhard’s anticipation and defensive instincts that ignited the closing sequence.
Nembhard didn’t just come up big in one moment; he consistently made the right reads, kept the offense humming, and distributed the ball precisely. His 13 assists marked a playoff career high, and his willingness to attack the boards added a physical edge to his already polished game.
While Donovan Mitchell scored 48 points for Cleveland, Indiana's collective effort and poise, led by players like Nembhard, stole the spotlight late and allowed Haliburton's heroics. Nembhard's growth as a two-way player at the NBA level reinforces Gonzaga’s reputation for player development.
Back in Spokane, Nembhard’s continued success in the postseason serves as a powerful recruiting pitch. The Bulldogs are still searching the transfer portal for key additions ahead of the 2025-2026 season, and showcasing alumni like Nembhard thriving at the highest level only strengthens the Zags’ position in those conversations.
As the series heads to Indiana, Nembhard’s leadership will remain vital in the Pacers’ quest for a deep playoff run, and his impact is only just beginning to be fully recognized.
Continue reading...
