Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drove left, into Aaron Nesmith, straight into the teeth of an Indiana Pacers defense that had been manhandling him all night. For three quarters on Friday, the Pacers had largely bottled up Gilgeous-Alexander, sending waves of defenders—big, strong, physical defenders—into Gilgeous-Alexander’s airspace, forcing him into midrange jump shots, keeping the MVP off the free throw line. He had 20 points entering the fourth quarter—but was a -16 overall.
