Aaron Nesmith kicks chair as Pacers’ Finals dreams collapse [VIDEO]
Aaron Nesmith Kicks Chair in Game 7 Loss as Pacers Fall to Thunder
Tonight, in the emotional final moments of Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith was captured kicking a chair on the sidelines as the Thunder sealed their 103-91 championship-clinching win at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The image of Nesmith, wearing No. 23, venting his frustration in the closing minutes has quickly become symbolic of a hard-fought but heartbreaking postseason run for Indiana.
This wasn’t how the series began for the Indiana Pacers. After the first three games, the Pacers appeared poised to win their first-ever NBA championship. This was especially true, when Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot to win Game 1. However, things slowly began to fall apart for the Pacers after that. By the time Nesmith went to the bench for the final time, it was clear the Pacers were not champions.
As a result, Nesmith’s frustration led to him kicking a chair on his way to the bench.
A Season Ends in Heartbreak
With 1:51 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Pacers trailing 96-86, Nesmith fouled out after a challenging performance. The Pacers’ unexpected playoff run—culminating in the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2000—came to an abrupt end against the top-seeded Thunder. The chair-kicking moment, caught on ABC’s broadcast, occurred during a timeout as the reality of the loss set in for the 24-year-old forward.
Throughout the 2025 postseason, the Pacers were on a Cinderella run. In order to get to the Finals, Indiana defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, the East’s best team in the Cleveland Cavaliers in convincing fashion, and finally the New York Knicks. In each series, the Pacers had at least one shocking late-game comeback victory. As a result, the Pacers became a popular team to watch. Even in the NBA Finals, Indiana continued with their upsets. Both Games 1 and 3 of the Finals, vs. OKC were won in comeback fashions.
However, there was no chance of a comeback win tonight.
Nesmith’s Game 7 Performance
Nesmith played 30 minutes and tallied:
- 3 points on 1-of-5 shooting (20%)
- 1-of-3 from three (33.3%)
- 6 rebounds
- 1 assist
- 2 steals
- 2 blocks
- +6 plus-minus
These numbers stood in sharp contrast to his series averages of 9.4 points and 5.9 rebounds, making the final performance particularly frustrating. Fan comments on social media—such as “Mad but he shot 20%”—reflected both sympathy and criticism.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury Impact
Adding to the emotional toll was the loss of All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who exited early in the first quarter with a confirmed Achilles injury. The injury was a major blow to the Pacers’ game plan, and Nesmith’s frustration may have been compounded by knowing the team’s offensive anchor was no longer available.
ESPN and other outlets reported the injury shortly after Haliburton’s exit, with his father confirming the nature of the setback. NBA players reacted across social media in real-time, expressing support and shock.
Haliburton was already playing through injuries sustained earlier in the series. So, for him to suffer from an Achilles injury in Game 7, it put the Pacers at a major disadvantage. As the game wore on, it was clear this was a disadvantage they were not going to overcome.
Underdog Run to Game 7
The 2025 NBA Finals was the first series to reach Game 7 since 2016, making it a historic occasion. The Pacers entered the playoffs as a #4 seed in the East and defied expectations by advancing to the Finals, defeating teams like the Cavs and the Bucks along the way.
Series Recap:
- Game 1: Pacers 111, Thunder 110
- Game 2: Thunder 123, Pacers 107
- Game 3: Pacers 116, Thunder 107
- Game 4: Thunder 111, Pacers 104
- Game 5: Thunder 120, Pacers 109
- Game 6: Pacers 108, Thunder 91
- Game 7: Thunder 103, Pacers 91
Nesmith, along with teammates Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard, played crucial roles throughout the Finals, especially in Game 6’s dominating win that forced the deciding Game 7.
The Viral Moment: Nesmith’s Chair Kick
The clip of Nesmith kicking a chair quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter), where fans reacted in waves. The video, just over 5 seconds, showed Nesmith heading to the bench with visible emotion as the scoreboard read 96-86 in OKC’s favor. Social media comments ranged from mockery to support:
- @CactusSunnnn: “Mad but he shot 20%”
- @SMHighlights: “1/3” (referring to Nesmith’s 3-point shooting)
Fans of both teams chimed in, with some praising his passion and others calling it a sign of lack of composure. Regardless, it encapsulated the pressure and stakes that Game 7s uniquely deliver.
The Emotional Toll of a Historic Series
Indiana’s run was one of the feel-good stories of the season. Back in the Finals for the first time in 25 years, the Pacers became a rallying point for underdog narratives. Local and national coverage often likened their run to classic underdog tales like “Hoosiers,” and Nesmith’s chair kick adds a dramatic punctuation mark to that narrative.
His outburst is not just about missing shots—it’s about the collapse of a dream. The Finals spotlight is merciless, and the contrast between jubilation and heartbreak is often just one timeout apart.
What’s Next for Nesmith and the Pacers?
While the Pacers fell short, their young core showed promise. Nesmith, in particular, had carved out a reputation as a high-motor, two-way player throughout the postseason. Game 7 may not reflect his growth, but it certainly illustrates his emotional investment.
The offseason will bring reflection and adjustments. With Haliburton’s injury potentially sidelining him well into the 2025–26 season, Indiana will need even more from Nesmith, Toppin, Nembhard, and the supporting cast.
Final Word: A Snapshot of What the Finals Mean
Aaron Nesmith’s chair-kicking reaction is a snapshot of what makes the NBA Finals so compelling. It’s not just about the score—it’s about the story, the emotion, and the cost of chasing greatness.
Captured with less than two minutes remaining in the most important game of his career, Nesmith’s frustration is human, raw, and deeply relatable. It’s a reminder that behind every scoreboard is a story—one of effort, emotion, and everything that comes with trying to win it all.