Former Gonzaga Guard Delivers Big-Time Performance in NBA Playoffs
In a thrilling Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal round series, former Gonzaga guard Andrew Nembhard played a pivotal role in the Indiana Pacers’ 121-112 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the outcome of the game hanging in the balance, Nembhard calmly sunk a shot from beyond the 3-point line, showcasing his clutch gene and helping his team secure a crucial road win.
According to SI.com, Nembhard had been feeling confident from downtown, having cashed a stepback jumper from deep just moments earlier, providing the Pacers with some breathing room as they tried to escape Rocket Arena with a win. The 6-foot-5 guard finished with 23 points, his most in a playoff win, while shooting 5-of-6 from 3-point range. He also recorded six assists without committing any turnovers against the Eastern Conference’s No. 3-ranked defense by net rating, as reported by SI.com.
The Pacers’ backcourt did a lot of the heavy lifting in Game 1, as Tyrese Haliburton chipped in 22 points and 13 assists. The Pacers led by as many as 12 points in the third quarter before the Cavs mounted a furious comeback effort behind Donovan Mitchell, who sparked a 20-4 scoring run that allowed Cleveland to briefly reclaim the lead. However, Indiana responded with a run of its own, outscoring Cleveland 15-4 over a 6-minute stretch that made it a double-digit game with less than 2 minutes remaining in the fourth.
Nembhard’s impressive performance was not a one-off, as he has consistently delivered in the clutch for the Pacers. In their first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks, he defended Damian Lillard prior to his injury in Game 4 and averaged 15.0 points on 49.2% shooting from the floor, including 50% from 3-point range. As SI.com reported, he also made all six of his free throws in the series and dished out 24 assists against just four turnovers.
As noted by SI.com, Nembhard made a name for himself in the NBA Playoffs last year, when he helped guide the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals while putting up 14.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. This season, he averaged career-highs in scoring (10.0 points), assists (5.0), rebounds (3.3), and steals (1.2) during the regular season.
The Pacers will look to build on their momentum in Game 2 against the Cavs, which takes place on Tuesday (4 p.m. PT, TNT). With Nembhard’s impressive performance in Game 1, it’s clear that the former Gonzaga guard is a force to be reckoned with in the NBA Playoffs.
As SI.com reported, Nembhard’s ability to remain composed under pressure was evident in his post-game performance, where he cooly jogged back to his team’s side of the floor after sinking the crucial 3-point shot, leaving the Cleveland crowd stunned. The Pacers’ victory in Game 1 was a significant one, and Nembhard’s contribution will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success moving forward in the series.
The impressive display from Nembhard against the Cavaliers demonstrates why he was highly regarded during his time at Gonzaga. As the Pacers continue their playoff run, fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the former Bulldogs guard.
For more on the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the NBA Playoffs, be sure to check out SI.com for the latest news and analysis.
