It’s been a great year for Andrew Nembhard.
The Indiana Pacers guard first made headlines with an outstanding performance in the NBA playoffs, averaging 14.9 points and 5.5 assists including a pair of monster performances against the Boston Celtics when Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined.
The former Gonzaga guard parlayed that success into a lucrative extension with the Pacers, as well as a spot on Team Canada’s Olympic national team alongside star guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray.
On Friday he proved exactly what he can bring for Canada’s medal hopes, ensuring the country would go undefeated in group play with an outstanding performance in a win over Spain.
Nembhard finished with 18 points, second on the team behind Gilgeous-Alexander, while tacking on two assists and one steal.
He was a menace particularly out in transition, scoring back-to-back fastbreak layups in the fourth quarter and swinging momentum back Canada’s way at a critical juncture.
Andrew Nembhard with back to back transition layups. pic.twitter.com/8TSokGggNf
— Alex Adams (@AlexAdamsBTP) August 2, 2024
Nembhard was not just getting after it in transition, he hit a highly contested three point shot as the shot clock expired and finished 8-10 from the field. His facilitation skills opened up Canada’s offense, and proved he belongs on the floor for this team in close matchups.
Canada advances to the quarterfinals as they look to medal against strong competition in France, Serbia, and the United States.