In a recent basketball game, Aaron Nesmith demonstrated exceptional defensive skills against a hobbled Jalen Brunson. Nesmith, who was assigned to guard Brunson, held him to just 1-5 shooting for 2 points in the first quarter, while scoring 7 points himself. Despite Brunson's struggle, partly due to his health issues, Nesmith's defense was notably aggressive, effectively managing Brunson's attempts to navigate around ball screens and maintaining tight coverage throughout the game. However, Nesmith also showed a lapse in focus when he celebrated prematurely after a defensive play, nearly costing his team possession.
Nesmith doing a nice job, yes, but Brunson basically averaged 29 in the regular season and 35 in the playoffs. Let’s not pretend all of a sudden somebody found someone who can stop him. He’s not healthy and it’s clear.
Heck of a first half for Aaron Nesmith. Picking up Brunson at 94 feet, pressing him up against the halfcourt line, fighting super hard around screens and recognizing how the game is being called and leaning into it.
Nesmith is doing a fantastic job getting around these ball screens. So important to be running alongside Brunson instead of behind him on the drives. It helps that Brunson is more limited and can't dance to set him up and reject as easily.
Nesmith is MILES better at defending Brunson. HIs length is giving him issues
Good start to the game. Nesmith is doing an excellent job on Brunson to start. He was just 1-5 for 2 points in the first quarter and Nesmith has 7 points offensively. Need to see that kind of effort throughout the entire game.
jalen brunson is hobbled, obviously, but like the pacers putting nesmith/some extra size on him in the first quarter. clearly made a difference.
Man Nesmith got lucky. Made a great defensive play but started celebrating, didn't recover the loose ball and got saved when DiVincenzo got stuffed on the layup. That said, Nesmith had a wonderful defensive quarter. Super physical with Brunson.
Brunson was 0-3 in the first five minutes before checking out. Nesmith doing a great job on him so far
Brunson clearly tripped Nesmith on purpose
Nesmith has been up in Brunson's grill so far. Much better defense than he's played in the first two games, although it's early
Nesmith on Brunson to start