By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 00:05 BST, 28 May 2025 | Updated: 00:05 BST, 28 May 2025
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana Pacers will have Aaron Nesmith, their top defender, available Tuesday night for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks.
Coach Rick Carlisle had said Monday that Nesmith's sprained right ankle was "sore" and that he would likely be a game-time decision. But during his pregame news conference, Carlisle confirmed Nesmith would play.
He's been Indiana's primary defender against All-Star guard Jalen Brunson and after Nesmith left Game 3 in the third quarter, the Pacers blew a big lead in a 106-100 loss. Nesmith did return late in the game but did not look the same. Indiana leads the series 2-1.
"He's doing better than expected," Carlisle said, before addressing whether Nesmith's minutes would be limited. "It's to be determined. 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 was injured when he landed awkwardly after making a pass into the corner that sailed into the seats.
Nesmith scored a playoff career-high 30 points in Game 1, setting the Pacers' postseason record with eight 3-pointers.
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) is assisted off the court 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/AJ Mast)
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Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith, left, is defended by New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) 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)
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)