Aaron Nesmith Suits Up After Injury Scare
The Indiana Pacers are breathing a little easier today. Their forward, Aaron Nesmith, is officially cleared to play in Game 4 against the New York Knicks. Just days ago it looked dicey—he hobbled off the court during Game 3 with what trainers called a right ankle sprain, a scary sight for Pacers fans watching their team let a twenty-point advantage slip away in that loss. Head coach Rick Carlisle said Nesmith "predictably woke up sore" the morning after, but treatment worked so well that he'll suit up tonight.
This postseason, Nesmith’s value has shot through the roof. He’s averaging 15.1 points a game and doesn’t just sneak in threes—he’s been hitting them at a cold-blooded .535 clip. Forget one-dimensional roles; he’s been pulling in rebounds, locking down key opponents, and closing out crunch-time possessions. His $33 million rookie extension, inked last offseason, doesn’t look so risky anymore. The Pacers have leaned on his offensive and defensive flexibility, especially with star Tyrese Haliburton playing through his own soreness.
Pacers Eye Big Lead as Knicks Push Back
Indiana comes into Game 4 with a 2-1 edge in the series. They’ve made hay in these positions—both previous Game 4s this spring ended with the Pacers shutting the door and clinching the round. No one in the locker room is pretending it’ll be easy, though. The Knicks made a statement with their wild comeback in Game 3, a reminder that this rivalry brings out the wildest twists. Rick Carlisle mentioned how New York has "comeback DNA," referencing several games this season where the Knicks erased double-digit deficits. The Pacers, with the home crowd behind them, want to keep up the pressure and head back to New York armed with a 3-1 lead.
Of course, all eyes will be on Aaron Nesmith. Will his ankle hold up if forced into those hard pivots and step-backs? How much can he contribute defensively against the Knicks’ explosive scorers? Carlisle hinted at strategic wrinkles, perhaps staggering Nesmith’s minutes to keep him as fresh as possible. Still, simply having him available fills a gaping hole in Indiana’s gameplan.
- Nesmith’s 15.1 points per game in the playoffs have come at key moments—fourth-quarter threes, breakaway dunks, harassing full-court defense.
- His three-point accuracy (.535) makes him one of the most dangerous shooters left in the postseason, and forces the Knicks to stretch their defense in uncomfortable ways.
- Indiana’s ability to win must-win games—already clinching two playoff rounds in Game 4—has the fanbase eyeing a decisive night. That only happens if Nesmith can stay on the floor and in rhythm.
Pacers supporters know how tough the Knicks are, but with Nesmith patched up and ready to go, Indiana isn’t backing down from the grind. The stakes aren’t just about this series—they’re about proving that this Pacers group can keep running with the best, injury scares and all.
