Bill Simmons Sends Strong Aaron Nesmith Message After Pacers-Knicks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 23, 2025 2:45 PM ET

After eliminating the Boston Celtics in six games, the New York Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, setting up a clash with the Indiana Pacers. Game 1, held at Madison Square Garden, turned into an instant classic. The Knicks, buoyed by Jalen Brunson's 43 points and Karl-Anthony Towns' 35-point, 12-rebound performance, built a strong 17-point lead late in the fourth quarter.

However, the Pacers mounted a historic comeback, erasing a 14-point deficit in the final 2:45 of regulation—a feat unprecedented in NBA playoff history since detailed play-by-play tracking began in 1997.

Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 31 points and 11 assists, including a dramatic buzzer-beater that tied the game and forced overtime. Yet, he wasn't the only standout performer for Indiana in Game 1.

Former Celtics forward Aaron Nesmith delivered a performance for the ages, scoring 30 points and hitting eight of nine three-pointers. Nesmith drained five triples in the final minutes of regulation, propelling the Pacers' comeback.

The NBA community was quick to heap praises on the 25-year-old, including longtime Celtics fan and NBA analyst Bill Simmons, who posted a message on X:

"I've watched a lot of basketball in my life — that might be the single craziest comeback I've seen. The Nesmith Game!"

I’ve watched a lot of basketball in my life — that might be the single craziest comeback I’ve seen. The Nesmith Game!
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 22, 2025

This victory adds to the Pacers' growing reputation for resilience in the 2025 playoffs. They previously overcame significant deficits against the Milwaukee Bucks in Round 1 and the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in semifinals, and their ability to rally from behind has now become a defining trait of their postseason run.

Game 2 is scheduled for Friday at Madison Square Garden.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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