Andrew Nembhard Shines with 15 Points and 10 Assists, But Pacers Fall Short Against Hawks in 124-118 Loss on March 6, 2025
In a thrilling matchup on March 6, 2025, the Indiana Pacers put up a valiant fight against the Atlanta Hawks, but despite a standout performance from Andrew Nembhard, they were unable to overcome the Hawks, losing 124-118. Nembhard, who continues to impress with his poise and playmaking ability, posted a solid 15 points and 10 assists in the loss, but it was not enough to propel the Pacers past a dominant Hawks offense led by Trae Young.
The Pacers showed flashes of brilliance throughout the game, particularly on the offensive end, but defensive lapses and an inability to slow down Atlanta’s scoring proved to be their undoing. Nembhard’s 15-point, 10-assist performance showcased his growing confidence and ability to lead, but it was clear that the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, who had been dealing with an injury, left a noticeable void in the Pacers’ attack.
Nembhard’s Stellar Performance: A Bright Spot for the Pacers
Andrew Nembhard’s play was one of the few bright spots for the Pacers in this hard-fought loss. The second-year guard, who has stepped up in Haliburton’s absence, ran the offense efficiently and displayed excellent court vision. His 10 assists were a testament to his growth as a floor general, helping to set up his teammates and create scoring opportunities, especially in the fast break.
Nembhard also showed his scoring touch, contributing 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field, including a few timely three-pointers that kept the Pacers in the game. His ability to break down the defense and make the right play at crucial moments was evident, but unfortunately, the Pacers weren’t able to convert enough of those opportunities into a win.
“We fought hard out there tonight, but it wasn’t enough,” Nembhard said after the game. “I’ve got to be better at managing the game, especially when we’re in a tight spot. We need to take more pride in our defense down the stretch, and we’ll get it right. I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help the team, and we’ll bounce back.”
While his individual performance was impressive, Nembhard’s leadership and composure on the court have shown that he’s growing into a crucial piece of the Pacers’ future. The team will need more of this type of play from him as they continue to battle for playoff positioning.
The Impact of Haliburton’s Absence
One of the key storylines of the game was the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, whose injury has kept him sidelined in recent weeks. Haliburton’s playmaking and scoring ability have been central to the Pacers’ success this season, and without him, the team struggled to generate consistent offense against a high-powered Hawks squad.
While Nembhard did his best to fill the playmaking void, the Pacers were still noticeably less fluid in their offensive sets compared to when Haliburton is on the floor. Indiana also lacked a primary scorer capable of breaking down defenses in the way Haliburton can, especially during crunch time.
Head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the impact of Haliburton’s absence, stating, “Tyrese is a huge part of what we do. His vision, his ability to create shots for himself and others, it’s something we miss when he’s not on the floor. But that’s the reality we’re dealing with right now, and we have to find ways to win without him.”
Despite Haliburton’s absence, other players like Buddy Hield and Myles Turner tried to step up. Hield finished with 20 points, including 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, while Turner added 15 points and 12 rebounds. However, the lack of a true playmaking force to orchestrate the offense in Haliburton’s absence was too significant of a gap for the Pacers to overcome.
Hawks’ Offensive Dominance Led by Trae Young
On the other side of the court, the Hawks were firing on all cylinders, led by their star point guard Trae Young. Young was instrumental in leading Atlanta to the 124-118 victory, finishing with 22 points and 16 assists in another standout performance. His ability to score in a variety of ways, from deep three-pointers to crafty finishes at the rim, kept the Pacers’ defense on edge throughout the game.
Young’s 16 assists were crucial in ensuring that the Hawks’ offense flowed smoothly, and his playmaking created numerous open looks for teammates like De’Andre Hunter (19 points) and John Collins (18 points). The Pacers had no answer for Young’s ability to manipulate the game, and his leadership down the stretch helped the Hawks maintain their lead despite a late push from Indiana.
The Hawks’ offensive balance was another key to their victory. While Young was the catalyst, Atlanta’s depth and shooting proved to be too much for the Pacers to handle. The Hawks shot 48.4% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range, effectively spacing the floor and taking advantage of open shots.
Defensive Struggles for the Pacers
Defensively, the Pacers struggled to contain the Hawks’ offensive firepower, particularly in transition. The Pacers’ defense has been a point of concern throughout the season, and it was evident once again in this game. Atlanta’s ability to get out on the fast break and score in transition forced Indiana to play catch-up for most of the game.
The Pacers were also unable to contain the Hawks’ ball movement, as Atlanta racked up 30 assists in the win. Despite Myles Turner’s presence in the paint (2 blocks), the Pacers were unable to effectively disrupt the Hawks’ ball movement, which led to easy baskets.
“We have to be better defensively, especially when we’re playing a team like Atlanta,” said Turner. “They’re too good offensively to let them get easy looks. We just didn’t do enough tonight on that end of the floor, and that cost us.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Pacers and Hawks
For the Pacers, this loss is a tough one to swallow, especially as they are in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. With Haliburton’s status still uncertain, the Pacers will need continued growth from Nembhard, Hield, and Turner, while also getting contributions from their other role players to stay afloat in the playoff hunt. If Haliburton can return soon, it would be a major boost to the Pacers’ chances of getting back on track.
Meanwhile, the Hawks continue to build momentum, having won several games in a row. With Trae Young playing at an MVP-caliber level and their supporting cast stepping up, Atlanta is looking poised for a deep playoff run. However, they will need to improve their defense to be real contenders in the Eastern Conference. If they can find a more consistent defensive rhythm, the Hawks could be a force to reckon with come playoff time.