Nesmith’s Late Heroics Lift Pacers to Thrilling Comeback Win Over Bulls

The Indiana Pacers pulled off one of their most dramatic wins of the season on Wednesday night, storming back in the final quarter to defeat the Chicago Bulls 113–110 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. A game that had long been trending in Chicago’s favor flipped in the closing minutes thanks to key contributions from Indiana’s young core — and a few defining moments from Aaron Nesmith.

Trailing by nine entering the fourth and by as many as 14 earlier in the game, the Pacers strung together a resilient 18-4 run in the final seven minutes. Andrew Nembhard sparked the late push with a go-ahead jumper, before Nesmith stepped in with the biggest plays of the night — a reverse layup to retake the lead with 13.9 seconds remaining and a game-saving block on Coby White with 2.9 seconds left.

After Nesmith’s defensive stop, rookie Johnny Furphy grabbed the rebound and calmly sank two free throws to secure the win. Nembhard added one final exclamation point with a steal, sealing a night defined by hustle, poise, and timely execution.

The win improved Indiana’s record to 12–36, moving them out of the league’s basement. It also marked the Pacers’ third victory over the Bulls this season and offered a strong example of how their youthful roster continues to grow through adversity.

1. Nesmith Leads the Late Charge

Aaron Nesmith finished the night with a balanced stat line — 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block — but it was his timing that stood out most. His reverse layup under pressure and defensive stand against White were the pivotal moments in Indiana’s comeback, and his poise down the stretch reflected a growing confidence in his role. While Nesmith wasn’t Indiana’s leading scorer, his impact was undeniable. In a tightly contested matchup where every possession mattered, his energy and decision-making gave the Pacers their edge in crunch time. Pascal Siakam carried much of the scoring load, finishing with 20 points — 13 of them in the fourth quarter alone. The veteran forward was instrumental in keeping Indiana in the game, hitting key shots and drawing fouls to slow the Bulls’ momentum. The Pacers also benefited from standout performances across their young rotation. Jarace Walker posted 16 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting night, and Bennedict Mathurin added 15 points and eight rebounds, including three made three-pointers. The bench contributions helped bridge the gap as Indiana fought its way back.

2. Bulls Lose Grip in the Final Minutes

For much of the night, the Bulls appeared in control. Nikola Vucevic led all scorers with 25 points and gave Chicago a late lead with a timely three-pointer in the final minute. Matas Buzelis added 20 points, and Jalen Smith chipped in a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Josh Giddey quietly made NBA history during the game, recording his 2,000th career assist at age 23. He became just the 15th player in league history to reach that milestone before turning 24, further cementing his status as one of the league’s premier young playmakers. Despite the individual milestones, the Bulls faltered in the fourth quarter, unable to match Indiana’s defensive intensity and late-game execution. Chicago shot just 4-of-13 from the field during Indiana’s closing run and struggled to contain the Pacers’ dribble penetration in key moments. The loss dropped Chicago to 23–24 on the season, falling just below .500 in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff picture. With the season entering a pivotal stretch, the Bulls will need to find more consistency in closing out games.

3. Young Pacers Continue to Show Growth

Indiana’s fourth-quarter resurgence wasn’t just about one player — it was a collective display of maturity and belief from a roster still learning how to win. In total, Indiana’s young players accounted for 31 of the team’s 113 points, with multiple players stepping up at crucial moments. The team also overcame a sluggish start. In the first quarter, the Pacers managed just two made two-point field goals (2-of-14), relying instead on 6-of-13 shooting from deep to stay competitive. Their ability to adjust offensively while matching Chicago’s size with a rotating group of centers was a testament to head coach Rick Carlisle’s adaptability. Jay Huff logged valuable minutes off the bench, contributing 10 points and seven rebounds. Along with Micah Potter and Isaiah Jackson, Indiana used a platoon approach at center to neutralize the Bulls’ frontcourt advantage. Even Siakam slid to the five spot for short stretches, reflecting the team’s willingness to get creative with its lineups. The Pacers now turn their attention to Saturday’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, riding the momentum of one of their most inspiring wins of the season.