Aaron Nesmith

Once considered to be a can’t-miss Eastern Conference rivalry during the early-2000s, the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers inadvertently paid tribute on October 27, 2024, exchanging blows throughout a seven-minute fourth quarter stretch that saw just one 3-point make. As powerful, inside-the-paint play reached a premium, one might argue that no player left as demonstrative a statement as Aaron Nesmith. Steady and unassuming in his stance from far above the arc, Nesmith patiently rests as his All-Star teammate commands the attention of Indiana’s double team. Mashing the accelerator from the moment the ball swings his way, the fourth-year swingman offsets Kelly Oubre Jr.’s overaggressive closeout, springing through the lane for both a fierce one-handed poster flush, and an old-fashioned and-one. Opening a stretch that would oversee double-figure scoring over the ensuing three games to follow, Nesmith, despite the tightly-contested overtime loss, remained productive, adding 10 points (on two-of-four shooting), seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one triple.