Aaron Nesmith, the 25-year-old small forward for the Indiana Pacers, delivered a historic performance in Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, leading his team to a dramatic 138-135 overtime victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Nesmith scored 30 points, including a remarkable 20 points in the final five minutes of regulation. He went 8-of-9 from beyond the arc, with six of those three-pointers coming in the fourth quarter—a new NBA playoff record for most threes in the final period since play-by-play data began in 1998. This performance also broke the Indiana Pacers’ franchise playoff record for most three-pointers in a game, previously held by Reggie Miller.
Nesmith’s shooting spree was instrumental in the Pacers’ comeback from a 17-point deficit late in the fourth quarter. His flawless shooting and scoring prowess drew widespread attention and acclaim, marking a historic milestone in his career.
Drafted 14th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2020, Nesmith played two seasons in Boston before being traded to Indiana in 2022. Since joining the Pacers, he has steadily improved, averaging 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in the 2024-25 regular season, with a shooting percentage of 50.7% from the field and 43.1% from three-point range.
Off the court, Nesmith is in a long-term relationship with Jordan Smith, an accomplished athlete and record holder in the 4x400m relay. Their partnership is characterized by shared ambitions and mutual support. Beyond basketball, Nesmith is dedicated to making a positive impact through youth camps and mentorship programs, highlighting his values of humility, hard work, and balance.