Pacers' Aaron Nesmith Joins Steph Curry On NBA List After Game 1 vs Knicks

Introduction: Aaron Nesmith’s Special Evening

The 2025 NBA Playoffs just keeps on giving the good stuff. One of the largest was during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. Tyrese Haliburton is the commander of the Pacers, but Aaron Nesmith hijacked what was left of his thunder, joining Steph Curry and other great marksmen on a list that’s been microscopic in the NBA playoffs. His play has the potential to change the entire postseason narrative.

Game 1 Playoff Intensity

Nesmith’s Unexpected Takeover

Context In the Time Of: Keeping Pace with Steph Curry

What This Means for the Pacers

Deconstructing Nesmith’s Historic Game

 

3-POINT SHOOTING HISTORY IN THE 4TH QUARTER

Aaron Nesmith knocked down six 3s in the fourth quarter, a level of sharpshooting that matched Devin Booker and Steph Curry in playoff annals. To have done that while under playoff pressure says a whole lot about his poise and talent.

Game 1 Stats Statistically Speaking

Nesmith finished with 30 points and was 8 for 9 from 3-point range. With that sort of backhanded efficiency, he was the X-factor in the Pacers’ 138-135 overtime victory over the Knicks.

Joining NBA Legends

With the six threes he made in the fourth quarter, Nesmith was in exclusive company — Steph Curry, Damian Lillard, Bojan Bogdanovic are the only other players who have hit that mark — of clutch shooting and game-altering impact.

What It Means for the Pacers Playoff Push

This is a big win that will get Indiana some momentum. The Pacers haven’t reached the N.B.A. finals since 2000, and a reliable Nesmith could help them address that. If he continues firing at this rate, the Eastern Conference could have a surprise finalist.

What Sets Nesmith Apart

Nesmith may not be a household name, but his confidence and playmaking ability tell us he's more than a role player. His two-way game and energy complement stars such as Haliburton and Siakam, who would help make Indiana a more complete team.

Conclusion: A defining moment in career

Aaron Nesmith’s Game 1 can hardly be a highlight — it can more accurately be described as a statement opener. Teaming with Steph Curry for a playoff shooting record is evidence he belongs in the chat of clutch guys. His meteoric arrival may be a turning point for the Pacers, infusing belief into a team that is starved for that moment in early June.

Whether Indiana can parlay this into something remains to be seen, but what we know is Aaron Nesmith is here.

Were you surprised by Aaron Nesmith’s performance? Can he continue to shoot elite like this for the remainder of the series? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below and share this story if you think the Pacers can dream of a championship! For further playoff news and analysis, plus a lookahead to what the team’s offseason could hold, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.