How Indiana Pacers Will Rely on Andrew Nembhard vs. New York Knicks

Andrew Nembhard has been a dynamic player for the Indiana Pacers throughout the 2025 NBA playoffs. Across 10 games this postseason, Nembhard is averaging 14.6 points and six assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range.

The Pacers are preparing to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, and Nembard will be the x-factor that can help Indiana reach their second NBA Finals in franchise history.

“Playoff Nembhard” has been the perfect Robin to Tyrese Haliburton’s Batman as he is a reliable and steady secondary ball-handler who can create his own shot with ease.

Nembhard plays the game with exceptional change of pace movements to get to his pure mid-range shot. Stephen Curry is the only player who has been more productive from the midrange areas and beyond the arc than Nembhard during the playoffs.

Anytime someone is mentioned in the same offensive category as Curry, they’re definitely doing something right—Nembhard has been dialed in on the court.

Nembhard also uses a quick first step to get to the basket and finish around the rim. His aggressiveness gives him opportunities to get easy points at the foul line where he is shooting 87.5 percent during the playoffs.

"I'm just telling Knicks fans right now, be prepared for Nembhard to drive into OG [Anunoby] — maybe it'll be Josh Hart, it'll be one of the perimeter guys — it'll be Mikal [Bridges], OG or Hart, where you're gonna think that the Knicks player after that collision, who will get called for the foul, and Nembhard will get the and-one, but Nembhard, it is like a crash test dummy-level of impact. Could be organ damage," The Ringer's Ryen Russillo said during an episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast.

Nembhard’s steady production on both ends of the floor will be key for the Pacers as they look to reach their first NBA Finals since 2000.