Let’s face it—this Eastern Conference Finals matchup has had everything: bad shooting nights, confusing rotations, random bench explosions, and now, in a twist no Pacers fan wanted to see, we’ve got a player limping off like it’s the 2015 NBA Finals all over again. But wait—before you grab your foam fingers and start rage-tweeting, there’s one name that suddenly flipped the momentum of this crucial Game 3, and no, it’s not Tyrese Haliburton or even the Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns (who, let’s be honest, was playing defense like it was optional). It’s Aaron Nesmith. Yeah, that Aaron Nesmith.

Midway through the third quarter, with Indiana holding a comfy 72-57 lead and things looking smooth like a vintage Paul George highlight reel, Aaron Nesmith went up to make what looked like a routine pass. Only it turned into a full-blown “oh no, not again” moment. He landed awkwardly on Jalen Brunson’s foot, twisted that right ankle, and hit the floor like someone unplugged his controller in NBA 2K.

Replay confirmed it: Nesmith’s right ankle folded up worse than the Lakers’ playoff hopes in 2022. And if you’re a Pacers fan, this was especially triggering—last year, the same ankle got cooked on Willie Green’s sideline during a Pelicans game, sidelining him for 35 straight contests. Yeah. Thirty. Five. This dude’s ankles have taken more damage than Ben Simmons’ reputation.

As TNT’s Allie LaForce put it, the team confirmed it’s a right ankle sprain, and Nesmith is “questionable” to return. Considering how gingerly he left the court, with teammates flanking him.

Why Nesmith Matters More Than You Think

If you’ve been ignoring Nesmith because he’s not dropping 30-point nights like Haliburton or dunking like Obi Toppin on caffeine, let us educate you. This man has been the primary defender on Jalen Brunson all series. He’s been on him like Patrick Beverley in a contract year. Before the injury, Nesmith had already contributed 8 points, 6 rebounds, and a three-ball—the only 3 Indiana made the entire third quarter, by the way. That’s not just role player behavior; that’s glue-guy Hall of Fame energy.

Since he left the floor? The Knicks went +8. Coincidence? Nope. Brunson’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. Without Nesmith hounding him full-court, it was suddenly easier for the Knicks to breathe—even with Brunson juggling four fouls and a shooting percentage uglier than a Charles Oakley elbow.

Let’s talk game flow. At halftime, the Pacers were up 58-45 after a massive 13-0 second-quarter run. Haliburton was cruising with 9 points and 4 assists at the break. Myles Turner was looking like he remembered how to play offense again, while every single Pacers player who stepped on the court had scored.

Meanwhile, the Knicks were falling apart faster than a Knicks playoff run post-2000. KAT had three fouls in under six minutes, Brunson was 2-of-9 with four personals, and Mikal Bridges was chucking bricks like he had stock in Home Depot.

But as soon as Nesmith limped off, it was like someone hit “turbo” on the Knicks’ energy bar. Brunson found his rhythm (somewhat), OG Anunoby kept the fire going with 16 points, and Indiana’s offense stalled. Their 3-point shooting collapsed to 4-of-17—nearly all those makes came before Nesmith’s exit.

The Pacers are still 6-0 this postseason when leading at the end of the third. That’s the good news. The bad news? If Nesmith can’t return in Game 3 or worse, Game 4, it’s not just a minor setback. It’s like pulling out the keystone in the middle of the Jenga tower. The defensive identity they built—especially the clamps they’ve put on Brunson—goes right out the window.

In the playoffs, you don’t just lose players. You lose matchups, rhythm, and momentum. Nesmith may not be the flashiest name on the roster, but in a series that’s turning into a chess match, he’s been Indiana’s queen on the board—underrated, versatile, and quietly making every other piece more dangerous.

Here’s hoping that “questionable” turns into “probable” real soon, because without Nesmith, the Pacers might find themselves in a whole different kind of grind.

Update: Nesmith is back