How Did Andrew Nembhard Come Up 'Huge' vs. Bucks?

In the on-court postgame interview, Tyrese Haliburton shared one of the Indiana Pacers' ingredients for success over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2. During the Pacers' 123-115 win over the Bucks, Andrew Nembhard came up "huge," taking on a significant assignment in the second half. 

Nembhard scored 17 points on an efficient 6 for 10 shooting from the field and a 3 for 5 clip from 3. However, despite such a superb outing for a player of his role, Nembhard's most effective contribution occurred on defense. 

When NBA TV's Nabil Karim talked with Haliburton after the game, the Pacers point guard had one answer for Lillard's quiet second-half performance: "Andrew Nembhard." 

"Andrew Nembhard was huge for us down the stretch," Haliburton said. "He made a lot of big shots, settled us in."

After shooting 3 for 6 from the field in the first half, Lillard experienced a significant decrease in shooting percentage in the second half. Lillard converted only 1 of 7 shots when the Bucks needed him most. 

Nembhard guarded Lillard on four shots in the second half, with the Bucks star only converting one shot on the try-hard Pacers guard. 

Unlike Lillard, Nembhard stepped up for his team with 12 points in the second half, including five in the final period. Nembhard's playoff contributions are nothing new, as he averaged 14.9 points in the 2024 playoffs. However, even with more defensive attention focused on the young guard, Nembhard has taken on the role of a pressure release valve for the Pacers. 

More importantly, the Pacers' improved defense has much to do with Nembhard's laser-focused attentiveness on the perimeter. With Game 3 at the Fiserv Forum, Nembhard must maintain his intensity on the road, as the Bucks will have revenge on their minds on Friday.