Aaron Nesmith Cleared to Play in Game 4 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith will play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals despite a sprained ankle. Nesmith, Indiana’s top defender, has been key in guarding Knicks star Jalen Brunson. He scored a playoff career-high 30 points in Game 1 and will be closely monitored during Tuesday’s game.
Quick Looks
- Nesmith cleared to play Tuesday night vs. Knicks in Game 4.
- Initially listed as a game-time decision with ankle sprain.
- Coach Rick Carlisle confirms return, will monitor minutes.
- Key defender on Jalen Brunson during series.
- Pacers blew Game 3 lead after Nesmith’s third-quarter exit.
- Returned late but was visibly limited; Pacers still lead 2-1.
- Scored playoff career-high 30 points, including 8 threes, in Game 1.
- Injury occurred on awkward landing after a pass.
Deep Look
With the Eastern Conference Finals heating up, the Indiana Pacers got a critical piece back just in time. Defensive ace Aaron Nesmith, who exited Game 3 with a sprained right ankle, has been cleared to play in Game 4 against the New York Knicks. Head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed the news Tuesday evening, marking a significant development for a Pacers squad looking to extend its 2–1 series lead.
The Pacers were rolling in Game 3 until Nesmith left midway through the third quarter. At the time of his departure, Indiana held a comfortable lead, largely due to Nesmith’s effective defense against Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. Without him, however, the tide quickly turned. New York capitalized on his absence, rallying to outscore Indiana and steal a 106–100 win on the road. Nesmith returned briefly in the fourth quarter, but his mobility appeared limited, and he was unable to make the defensive impact that had helped define the early part of the series.
Now, with Game 4 tipping off in front of a raucous home crowd in Indianapolis, Nesmith’s presence could be the X-factor in regaining control of the series. According to Carlisle, Nesmith is “doing better than expected,” but the coaching staff will monitor his minutes closely to prevent aggravating the injury.
“It’s to be determined,” Carlisle said when asked if Nesmith would be on a minutes restriction. “Not as of now, but I always watch everybody’s minutes, so it’ll be something that in real time, we’ll have to gauge.”
Nesmith suffered the ankle injury after landing awkwardly while making a pass to the corner during Game 3 — a sequence that ended in a turnover and his exit from the game. The injury looked relatively mild in real-time, but it had an immediate impact on Indiana’s perimeter defense. Brunson, who had struggled through double teams and defensive pressure, found more space and rhythm after Nesmith’s departure.
Nesmith’s value to the Pacers goes beyond box scores. While his defensive role has been emphasized all season, the former Vanderbilt standout has also flashed serious offensive potential. In Game 1 of the series, Nesmith erupted for a playoff career-high 30 points, hitting a franchise-record eight three-pointers. His ability to space the floor, run in transition, and defend at a high level has made him one of Indiana’s most versatile and indispensable players this postseason.
As the Pacers push for their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, Nesmith’s availability couldn’t be more timely. The Knicks, despite being hampered by injuries of their own, have shown resilience and elite-level playmaking through Brunson. Game 4 could determine the trajectory of the series: either the Pacers head to New York with a commanding 3–1 lead, or the series resets to even footing, with home-court advantage shifting back to the Knicks.
From a tactical standpoint, Nesmith’s return allows Indiana to reimplement the defensive schemes that worked so well in Games 1 and 2 — including blitzing Brunson on pick-and-rolls, switching assignments to keep him off balance, and using Nesmith’s length and footwork to challenge midrange jumpers and dribble drives.
The Pacers have relied heavily on team chemistry and depth during this playoff run, and Nesmith has embodied both. Though not always the headline name, his impact is felt in hustle plays, perimeter coverage, and emotional leadership. His absence in Game 3 exposed the team’s defensive gaps and reminded fans of just how important he is to Indiana’s success.
Carlisle’s cautious optimism speaks to the tightrope Indiana must walk: push for a critical Game 4 win without risking further injury to a core player. If Nesmith can even approximate his usual two-way performance, it will put Indiana in a strong position to control the tempo and take pressure off Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner.
Looking ahead, Indiana will need Nesmith healthy for the remainder of the series — and potentially beyond. The Boston Celtics await the winner of this series, and any hopes of a competitive Eastern Conference Finals showing will hinge on the Pacers staying both healthy and cohesive.
For now, though, all eyes are on Game 4. And with Aaron Nesmith back in the lineup, Indiana’s hopes for a bounce-back performance just got a much-needed lift.
Aaron Nesmith Cleared
You must Register or Login to post a comment.