Indiana Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith returned to the hardwood on Thursday, and he quickly reminded the Pacers and the rest of the NBA what he can do.

The Indiana Pacers swingman missed 2 1/2 months with an ankle injury before returning on Jan. 16, 2025, against the Detroit Pistons.

With Aaron Nesmith back from a sprained left ankle, the Pacers are approaching a tough decision between him and Bennedict Mathurin at small forward.

After a sluggish, injury-filled start to the season, the Indiana Pacers are back in the playoff picture and are vying for home-court advantage in the first round, just half a game behind the fourth-place Milwaukee Bucks.

With Aaron Nesmith back and 11 players good enough to be part of the Pacers' rotation, playing time will be less constant.

Lost in the fold of a dramatic game was wing Aaron Nesmith, who made his return after missing all of November and December with an injury. Nesmith started but played only nine minutes. However, he scored an efficient nine points and brought some needed defense against Cade Cunningham.

Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith's return from a left ankle sprain was a reminder of how easily he fits in the Pacers' style of play.