Aaron Nesmith

Regardless of player, quarter, or even opponent, there’s just something about the 2024-25 Indiana Pacers and their ability to score at will during end-of-shot-clock situations. As if inspired by all of the buzzer-beaters his teammates had secured in recent weeks, Aaron Nesmith prepares himself to become the next time-freezer by hustling to gain a step on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ defense. Getting as close to the rim as reasonably possible in 4.5 seconds, Indiana’s smooth-shooting swingman eventually plants real estate in the midrange area before balancing into a contested jumper over Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley. The play, perhaps, illustrated the Pacers’ killer instinct, as it encouraged a 41-point lead at halftime, and ultimately, a dominant Game Four victory over the top-seeded Cavs. Positioning his team for an eventual 3-1 series lead just quarters later, Nesmith’s contributions on May 11, 2025 added up to 12 points (on four-of-eight shooting), four assists, two 3-pointers, and a +27 plus-minus.