Nembhard Shines in Pacers’ Loss to Spurs Despite 30-Point Deficit

INDIANAPOLIS — Andrew Nembhard delivered a standout performance for the Indiana Pacers despite a 140-110 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, January 23, 2025. The guard recorded eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals in 26 minutes, leading his team in multiple categories despite the lopsided defeat.

Nembhard, who shot 3-of-8 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line, matched his season high in steals and surpassed his projected assist total by three. His eight assists marked the fourth time this season he has reached that mark, including two of his last four games.

The Pacers struggled to contain the Spurs, who dominated with a 30-point victory. However, Nembhard’s contributions stood out, as he led both teams in assists and steals. His 37.5% shooting percentage, while below his usual efficiency, was offset by his playmaking and defensive efforts.

“Andrew was a bright spot for us tonight,” said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. “He distributed the ball well and made key defensive plays. We just couldnu2019t get enough stops as a team.”

Nembhardu2019s performance highlighted his growing role in the Pacersu2019 lineup. The team has averaged more points per game when he is on the court, underscoring his importance to their offensive flow. Despite the loss, his ability to exceed projections in multiple categories demonstrated his impact.

The Pacers, now 20-25 on the season, will look to bounce back in their next game as they continue to fight for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.