NBA FINALS: THUNDER VS. PACERS

June 10, 2025

Andrew Nembhard

Indiana Pacers

Practice Day

Q. It's been 25 years since there's been a home NBA Finals game here. What are you expecting?

ANDREW NEMBHARD: Expecting a crazy crowd, jumping out of their seat, having fun, enjoying the moment.

Q. What does this home court do for you guys?

ANDREW NEMBHARD: A lot. It's like our sixth man. Brings us energy, keeps us together. It's going to be exciting.

Q. What does OKC do that makes it so difficult for you to get in the paint?

ANDREW NEMBHARD: I think they individually really good defenders. They switch, versatile, long, athletic. They do a good job of being physical. We have to combat that by being more aggressive.

Q. What is the challenge to getting them disconnected defensively because they seem to have five guys who are very connected?

ANDREW NEMBHARD: It's us being connected, us being aggressive, us being the one that's the driving force on that side of the court.

Q. Their ability to impact screening, what is the challenge in terms of being able to set a good screen and make sure it has the intended effect?

ANDREW NEMBHARD: Setting it up and being strong with holding your screen I think is the biggest thing in coming into that interaction.

Q. Pacers trainer Josh Corbeil won a big award. What has that training staff meant to you?

ANDREW NEMBHARD: They've been great for us, keeping our bodies right, having a good vibe every day. It's not easy walking in and working every day. They have less days off than us. They bring great energy. They're essential to our success.

Q. What does basketball mean in Indiana?

ANDREW NEMBHARD: Basketball grows in Indiana. That's what they say.

Q. How does basketball manifest itself in this state?

ANDREW NEMBHARD: Man, I think it's just a long history of loving the game. People enjoy our team's success, we play together, have fun, and we win games. I think it's just manifests from the love of the game.

Q. When you go in town and everything, do you feel the support?

ANDREW NEMBHARD: 100%. The support is real. They're really riding behind us, ever since I’ve gotten here.

Q. Did you notice any major adjustments on their defense from Game 1 to Game 2? How do you plan to respond to that?

ANDREW NEMBHARD: I'm not sure if they adjusted much. I think they do similar stuff, maybe a little bit better, more physical. I'm not sure if they adjusted.

Q. James Johnson, what kind of extra energy, wisdom does he bring to that roster?

ANDREW NEMBHARD: Experience. 16 years. A guy who has been in a lot of different situations from starter, one of the better players in this league, to bench guy, to fighting to get on the roster.

A lot of experience that he can push into a lot of our players and relate, so...

That type wisdom, just a calming presence on the court. Guys are a little scared of him.