MVP of the night
Myles Turner is gone, Tyrese Halliburton is still a long way from returning, but Indiana can always count on big-hearted players who will hold their heads high. In addition to Ben Maturin and Pascal Siakam, we can now quote Andrew Nembhardt, who will soon be able to claim the “Best Player” trophy if he continues his momentum.
Repositioned as playmaker, older brother Rian was reminded last night in parts of the aura of Tyris Halliburton in the best form with his 28 points (on 10/18 shooting), 12 assists and numerous “clutch” actions in the finals that made the decision facing Sacramento (116-105).
Le “go-to-gui” du “money-time”
Indiana, however, seemed to hold its game, leading by 19 points at the beginning of the third quarter on a basket in transition by … Andrew Nembhard (77-58). And then the machine stopped, and the Kings showed that they have no shortage of talent, getting back into the game by going on an 11-0 run at the start of the timeout to take a four-point lead (97-101)!
The boat was rocking, but Indiana could count on Andrew Nembhardt to right the ship by making it 8-2 himself with two 3-point baskets of great composure. In his moment, he offered himself an extra basket by finishing the drive before serving up Pascal Siakam for his twelfth assist of the night. Symbolically, it was again him who pulled away to secure victory for his team under the nose of Maxime Raynaud, before finishing the night with two final throws. Tyrese Halliburton couldn’t have done better!
“He led us in the last quarter in an impressive way”, boy scout coach, Rick Carlisle. “He wanted the ball. Their turnovers gave us problems. He just imposed his will on certain baskets. He made a big three. He had to face tough opponents every night. It was Josh Giddy in Chicago, tonight it was Zach LaVine. . . . It’s a pretty thankless job.”
Constant progress
The Pacers expected to experience a difficult season after experiencing the ecstasy of the 2024-2025 financial year, which finished one game away from being crowned. Unfortunately for them, Indiana will thus be able to settle for the rise of Andrew Nembhardt, hoping it will inspire others…
“He’s improved. He’s had a lot of pressure on his shoulders because he’s had to take on a leadership role and I think he’s done a very good job so far. We’re looking forward to seeing what happens next as the season progresses and hopefully he can keep this momentum going.” Benedict Maturin said after the meeting.
A major player of interest pointed to the defense to explain how Indiana took control of the game. As far as his new role is concerned, each match allows him to improve, and this one feels like a big step forward.
“The only thing that’s changed is the offensive load I have to carry, like I have to create more on this side of the court. I think I’ve improved in the last few matches by taking on the challenges of going head-to-head and beating them.”
The next test on Friday on the floor of the Sixers, led by Tyrese, who is at least as talented as Halliburton…
https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=TK8D8EtPPEI
| Andrew Nembhardt | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | The team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | That | Pd | Ft | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 | IND | 75 | 27:38 | 44.1 | 35.0 | 79.0 | 0.5 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 4.5 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 9.5 |
| 2023-24 | IND | 68 | 24:57 | 49.8 | 35.7 | 80.4 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 4.1 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 9.2 |
| 2024-25 | IND | 65 | 28:56 | 45.8 | 29.1 | 79.4 | 0.5 | 2.8 | 3.3 | 5.0 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 10.0 |
| 2025-26 | IND | 15 | 30:56 | 42.4 | 35.1 | 85.1 | 0.3 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 6.3 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 2.3 | 0.2 | 17.2 |
How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.
2025-12-09 06:52:00
