Story by
Indiana Pacers mirror Cleveland Cavs with depth, skilled role players; here's what to know
- Story by
- Indiana Pacers mirror Cleveland Cavs with depth, skilled role players; here's what to know
Not unlike their Eastern Conference second round opponents the Cleveland Cavaliers , the Indiana Pacers have a wealth of depth and role players who can swing a game when playing well.
In Game 1 of the series against Cleveland, Indy pulled off a road upset by leaning on those unsung pieces.
Advertisement
Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard , who averaged an even 10 points per game during the regular season, cashed in on five of his six 3-point attempts in the Game 1 win en route to 23 points to accompany six assists in the box score.
Former University of Arizona Wildcats T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin combined for 18 points, six rebounds and three assists off the bench, providing a spark.
Cavs coverage: 'They had us in the blender': Cavaliers must figure out how to stop Pacers in NBA playoffs
All-Stars Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton , as well as big man Myles Turner , garner most of the praise as Indiana's bell cows, but the depth the Pacers have makes them a sneaky-even matchup for the East's top-seeded Cavs.
Advertisement
Here's what to know about those Indy role players who could continue to give Cavs fans headaches.
Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard is a native of Canada
May 4, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first quarter in game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Selected in the second round of the 2022 NBA draft by Indiana (pick No. 31 overall), Nembhard was born in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. Nembhard is also of Jamaican descent via his father, Claude.
Indy's point guard split two seasons each in college with the Florida Gators and Gonzaga Bulldogs.
He was named Defensive Player of the Month for January 2025.
Pacers reserve guard Bennedict Mathurin is also Canadian
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) drives to the basket a Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) defends during Game 1 of a second-round NBA playoff series May 4, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
While there are only 25 active NBA players who were born in Canada, per RealGM , two of them lace up the sneakers for Indiana.
Advertisement
Joining Nembhard in that conversation is Mathurin, who was also taken in the 2022 NBA draft by Indy — but as a lottery pick at No. 6 overall.
Mathurin was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
In high school, Mathurin attended NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico, dubbed "an elite basketball training program for top prospects from throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Canada."
Veteran Pacers guard T.J. McConnell went undrafted
It's hard to believe now, given that McConnell has carved out a successful 10-season NBA career to this point as a backup point guard, but the University of Arizona product went undrafted back 2015.
Advertisement
A floor general who guided the Arizona Wildcats during the Sean Miller era, McConnell's game is far from flashy. He's not the fastest, strongest or most athletic player on the court (which you could argue was also true in college). That being said, McConnell plays the game the right way by setting up his teammates up for success, which has led to a long pro career.
Though he's never dunked in an NBA game throughout his 10-year career, his Pacers teammates had a little fun with him when he threw down a dunk after practice years ago.
So, if you were wondering, yes, he can dunk the ball.
Advertisement
Obi Toppin is more than just a dunker
The winner of the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest back when he was still a member of the New York Knicks , Obi Toppin is proving with each passing season that he's more than just a highlight reel.
After averaging fewer than 10 points per game in each of his three seasons in New York to start his career, Toppin has averaged double-digit point totals in each of his two seasons with Indy, primarily as a reserve.
Toppin has also improved his shooting from beyond the arc, cashing a career-best 40.3% of his treys during the 2023-24 season (his first with the Pacers) and 36.5% of them this past season.
Advertisement
Known for his high-flying dunks dating back to his college years, Toppin has become a well-rounded player five years into his pro career.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Nembhard, McConnell, Mathurin give Pacers depth in series vs Cavaliers
