The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, who square off in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 5, both feature plenty of offensive firepower.
But this year's title hopes may swing on the other facet: Who has the better defense?
Helping spearhead the Pacers' defense is former first-round draft pick Aaron Nesmith, whose journey from standout at Porter-Gaud School and Vanderbilt to a key cog in Indiana’s playoff run has shown both his personal growth and the team's defensive transformation this season.
Last season, Indiana was swept by Boston in the playoffs, forcing the Pacers to shift their focus.
“Last year, all that was being said was we couldn't win because we didn't guard anybody and all we do is try to outscore people,” Pacers two-time All-Star Tyrese Haliburton said. “We've taken such a big step on the defensive end as a group, and I think the step we made on that end of the floor is why we're here. We've got our work cut out for us (in this series).”
Neither Pacers coach Rick Carlisle nor Thunder coach Mark Daigneault would disclose their defensive assignments entering Game 1 though there's a good chance Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard will somehow find themselves pitted against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league MVP, and Jalen Williams (21.6 points per game).
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Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) dunks past New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA playoffs in Indianapolis, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. File/AJ Mast/AP
Nesmith, who helped lead Porter-Gaud to three SCISA Class AAA state titles and was the South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior in 2018, went to Vanderbilt and showcased his talents as a scorer, leading to being drafted 14th overall by the Celtics in 2020.
After two seasons in Boston, Nesmith was traded to the Pacers and averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 36.6 percent from 3-point range in 2022-23. The following season, he took a step forward and jumped to 12.2 points per game and shooting 41.9 percent from long range. While his scoring dipped a bit this season (12 ppg) as he battled injuries, his shooting percentages soared as he hit 43.1 percent from 3-point range and went from a 78-percent shooter at the free-throw line to near-automatic at 91.3 percent.
More importantly, his defensive intensity emerged as the Pacers went from 120.2 points allowed per game to 115.1. Nesmith’s combination of length, lateral quickness and high-effort closeouts helped anchor the wing, complementing perimeter defenders Myles Turner and Nembhard.
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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 playoffs Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. File/AJ Mast/AP
In the postseason, Nesmith has arguably been the Pacers’ most complete two-way player. Over 14 playoff games, he’s averaged 15.1 points, 6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.9 made 3-pointers per game on 51.9 percent shooting from long range. His ability to slow opposing wings, contest shots without fouling and consistently knock down open looks has forced defenses to respect Indiana’s spacing.
Nesmith missed 2½ months with a sprained left ankle before returning in January and working his way back into game shape. He sprained his right ankle in Game 3 of the conference finals against the New York Knicks but played in each of the final three games.
Carlisle has repeatedly praised Nesmith’s growth on the defensive end, noting that when healthy, he’s one of the Pacers’ top three stoppers alongside Nembhard and Turner.
Most observers believe this will be a matchup of wills that will determine the next NBA champion.
“All tests are fun, and we get to do it on the biggest stage any of us have ever played on," Williams said. "So it’ll be a very fun challenge. Like I said, that’s a really good team. Obviously, they’re in the finals for a reason. Nobody just waltzes into the finals. So it’ll be our ultimate test.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report