Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came into Game 1 of the NBA Finals as one of the most dominant scorers in the postseason. He carried the thunder through the playoffs with clutch buckets and efficient shooting. But on the biggest stage, the Indiana Pacers had a defensive plan that worked successfully.
Led by Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith, the Pacers made the MVP fight for every point. They held him to 5-of-17 from the field in their dramatic 111-110 win. The Pacers’ two guards stayed locked in from start to finish, pressuring him on every possession and forcing tough shots.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked into Game 1 like a man on a mission.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 7, 2025
He had carved up defenses all postseason long, made tough shots look easy, and carried the Thunder to the biggest stage.
But the Pacers had a plan, and it came with two names. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron… pic.twitter.com/kLzMD0pnNw
The matchup stats tell the story. Gilgeous-Alexander went 3-of-9 when guarded by Nembhard and 2-of-8 against Nesmith. That’s just 29.4% shooting combined. Neither defender gave him an inch of space. He scored 38 points on 14-of-30 shooting, more than double any other player, but missed a crucial 15-foot jumper that cost them the matchup. However, they stayed physical, disciplined, and committed.
Indiana Pacers’ Defenders Took Game 1 Away
Nembhard played him tight, staying glued through and refusing to give space. Nesmith brought physicality on the perimeter, sliding with purpose and contesting every look without fouling. Together, they forced Gilgeous-Alexander into off-balance shots and denied him easy lanes to the rim.
The Pacers’ fourth-quarter comeback grabbed all attention, but their defensive execution deserves just as much credit. They did not shut down Shai, but they did something arguably more impressive: They made him uncomfortable.
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Oklahoma City is making adjustments ahead of Game 2. But for now, the Pacers made a strong remark. Indiana’s comeback will remain glorious, but their defense on Gilgeous-Alexander may alert thunder for the rest of the season. They are not just playing with energy; they are defending with purpose.
