Pacers Achieve Historic 50 Wins, Thanks to Andrew Nembhard

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers secured a 50-win season for the first time in over a decade, finishing with a 50-32 record after a rocky start of 10-15. The team turned its fortunes around in mid-December and is now set to face the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the playoffs.

The milestone of 50 wins is significant for the franchise, with young wing Johnny Furphy stating, “It’s pretty cool” as he celebrates his first season in the league. The road to this achievement, however, heavily relied on the contributions of Andrew Nembhard, whose pivotal role has been evident throughout the season.

The Pacers posted a 61% win rate, with a record of 44-21 in games featuring Nembhard. His presence on the court transformed the team, placing Indiana among the top four in the NBA in win percentage if extrapolated over a full season. Nembhard consistently contributed to a higher net rating when he played, reinforcing his importance.

Selected in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, Nembhard has emerged as a critical player. The Gonzaga alum is recognized for his defensive prowess, often taking on assignments against the opponent’s best players. He ranks second on the team in assists and third in drives, showcasing his versatility and ability to enhance ball movement.

“I loved my time with Andrew. He’s extremely competitive and takes pride in defending the best player on the other team,” said Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez, who coached Nembhard last summer with Team Canada. Fernandez praised Nembhard’s scoring ability and size as additional assets to his skill set.

Throughout the season, Nembhard averaged 10 points and five assists per game, marking the first time reaching these benchmarks in his young career. His role as a connector elevates the play of his teammates, making his contributions invaluable, particularly in fast-paced offensive schemes.

While Nembhard’s three-point shooting struggled, with below 30% accuracy, his overall contributions remain critical. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle highlighted Nembhard’s versatility as he can guard multiple positions, playing a crucial role in the team’s defensive strategy.

Nembhard’s performance has not gone unnoticed. He received significant recognition for his defense, although he fell short of eligibility for this season’s All-Defense teams. His pairing with top defender Myles Turner has elevated the Pacers’ defensive ratings significantly, achieving top-three level defense when on the court together.

“His versatility — whether he’s guarding the ball or off the ball — makes him impactful,” Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder remarked, underscoring Nembhard’s defensive tenacity and adaptability.

As the Pacers prepare for the playoffs, the emphasis will be on maintaining Nembhard’s defensive momentum combined with improved offensive efficacy. Nembhard is expected to be a pivotal figure as Indiana aims to advance in the postseason.

“He’s a winning player,” Fernandez stated, reflecting on Nembhard’s season. The Pacers will relish the challenge in the playoffs, hoping that Nembhard’s continued development will lead them to success.