By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 03:00 BST, 26 May 2025 | Updated: 03:00 BST, 26 May 2025
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana Pacers lost their top defender, Aaron Nesmith, with a sprained right ankle midway through the third quarter Sunday night in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks.
Nesmith landed awkwardly when he jumped to throw a pass into the corner that sailed high and wound up in the seats. After play stopped, Nesmith remained down briefly before his teammates helped him up and then motioned for the trainers help.
Nesmith struggled to put weight on the leg, needed assistance to leave the court and went straight to the locker room.
He had been Indiana's primary defender on All-Star guard Jalen Brunson as the Pacers pulled out to a 70-57 lead. Indiana leads the series 2-0 after winning the first two games in New York.
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Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith walks toward the team bench during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the New York Knicks Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) celebrates after scoring against the New York Knicks during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)