Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 2025 MVP Win Gets Hilarious Reaction From Giannis Antetokounmpo 9 May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) moves the ball down the court beside Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) in the second half of game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Indiana Pacers: Aaron Nesmith Gets 100% Honest on Guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 9:37 AM ET

The Indiana Pacers are facing their biggest test yet, as they will face the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals.

One of their main objectives in this series is slowing down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander . It’ll be easier said than done, but Aaron Nesmith embraces the challenge against the reigning league MVP, citing his previous experience guarding Jalen Brunson.

“They’re both great individual scorers and talented players. They know how to use their body to draw fouls, get into you, get their space, and get to the mid-range jumpers. So there are a lot of similarities between them,” Nesmith said via ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly.

Indiana Pacers: Aaron Nesmith Sets New Playoff Record in Game 1 Win Vs. New York Knicks 3 May 10, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

“I just think it’s a want factor,” he continued. “Taking pride in guarding your yard, watching film, getting better individually, and just sit down and be like, ‘they’re not gonna score on me…’ I think it’s a mindset. I’m not gonna be screened, I’m gonna fight through, and I’m gonna make his life very hard for these 48 minutes.”

Indiana Pacers News: Tyrese Haliburton rips team’s doubters ahead of Game 1

The Indiana Pacers are embracing their underdog status against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Tyrese Haliburton is certainly ready to prove their doubters wrong.

Indiana Pacers: Aaron Nesmith Gets 100% Honest on Guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6 May 31, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) passes the ball against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game six of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

“As long as the guys in our locker room and the people in this building believe, then you know, anything is possible. We’re really excited about the challenge. No quote, unquote expert or analyst is going to pick us, and that’s okay. We like it better that way,” Haliburton said via the Indiana Pacers’ official X (formerly known as Twitter) account.