Nesmith's Late Shot Ends Pacers' Five-Game Skid in Memphis
Aaron Nesmith scored the go-ahead three-pointer in the final seconds to secure a 107-103 victory for Indiana over the Grizzlies.
By Elena Castillo ·
The Indiana Pacers broke their five-game losing streak on Wednesday night by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 107-103 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The win came down to the final possession, with Aaron Nesmith sinking a corner three-pointer to close out the game.
The Pacers entered the game after a rough 10-day stretch that included a 108-104 loss to Atlanta on Monday. That previous defeat forced the team to rely on a rotation of just six players, all of whom scored in double figures. Against Memphis, the starting lineup featured Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Nesmith, who were returning to active duty.
Nembhard led the Pacers with 22 points, while Siakam added 20. Quenton Jackson contributed 13 points. The team's defense was a key factor early in the game, forcing eight Memphis turnovers in the first quarter. Those mistakes resulted in 16 points for Indiana, helping the Pacers hold a 54-52 lead at halftime.
Memphis took control in the third quarter, holding a 91-86 lead with 6:19 remaining. The Grizzlies had started the season strong with six consecutive wins, though they fell to New Orleans in overtime on Monday. Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward each scored 23 points for Memphis. Zach Edey added 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Indiana responded in the fourth quarter with eight straight points, capped by two breakaway dunks from Obi Toppin. The teams traded leads through the middle of the fourth quarter until the Pacers pulled ahead. Memphis closed the gap quickly, with Ty Jerome hitting a floater to make the score 104-103 with 28.2 seconds left.
Nesmith then received the ball in the right corner and released a long-range jumper that went in to seal the win. The victory snapped Indiana's recent slump, giving the team momentum heading into their next game. The Grizzlies lost their second straight game after their initial six-game winning streak.
The Pacers will host the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. The Grizzlies are scheduled to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.
Source: WRTV · original report published
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