Andrew Nembhard is embracing the moment as the Indiana Pacers prepare for Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night.
Coming off a tightly contested 111-110 win in Game 1, the 25-year-old guard reflected on both the challenge and opportunity of playing on basketball’s biggest stage.
“Playing in the Finals was a crazy experience,” Nembhard said. “Walking on the court was something you live for… the noise was the most I ever felt in a game.”
While Nembhard contributed 14 points and six assists in the opener, his defense on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew particular attention. The MVP finished with 38 points on 30 shots, but Oklahoma City’s offense stalled late as Indiana’s perimeter pressure intensified.
“It’s a consistent 48-minute job from our whole team,” Nembhard explained. “We talk about playing a full 94-foot game and wearing on them, being physical, being pests out there.”
He credited head coach Rick Carlisle’s system for giving players like himself the freedom to make instinctive reads.
“He gives playmakers freedom to do what they feel is right in the moment,” Nembhard said. “It makes us unpredictable and gives us confidence.”
Nembhard also pointed to the influence of assistant coach Jenny Boucek on his growth.
“I love Jenny. She’s done a lot for me since I’ve gotten here—on and off the court,” he said. “Her knowledge of the game has been one of the best I’ve been around.”
Despite Indiana’s 25 turnovers in Game 1, Nembhard remained composed. He said the team “felt a little rushed” early but adjusted after halftime.
“We did a good job of settling that down in the second half, and that’s going to be something we focus on going forward.”
His defensive approach remains rooted in awareness and anticipation.
“It’s understanding tendencies, what guys like to do, and what we’re trying to accomplish as a team,” he said. “And then figuring out on the fly when things don’t go well.”
Nembhard and Gilgeous-Alexander shared a brief exchange in the second half after a physical play, but he downplayed it as part of the competition.
“Guys out there trying to win the game. It’s no friends at this point.”
As the Pacers aim to take a 2-0 lead back to Indiana, Nembhard made it clear that he is focused on execution—not matchups or attention.
“There’s a name on every team in this league,” he said. “I’m trying to do my best to win the game.”
