Indiana Pacers playoff hero admits he was even “shocked” after the game-winner, which NBA fans called a “lucky prayer shot”

EVEN Andrew Nembhard couldn’t believe he won the Indiana Pacers game last night.

The unlikely hero entered the fourth quarter scoreless and was up 1-7 when he received the ball with 17.8 seconds remaining.

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Nembhard hit a 3-point shot to break the tie and help seal the 111-106 Game 3 victory over the New York Knicks.

“When I got the ball I didn’t realize what time it was. [Tyrese Haliburton] I said something, I looked up and it was like two seconds on the clock, so I knew I needed to take something off,” Nembhard, 24, said.

“So I created a little space and placed it.

“I was in the moment. I was a little shocked.

“I was really happy that the ball went in and I kind of focused on the next step.”

Haliburton found himself facing center Isaiah Hartenstein and realized a double team was coming at the top of the key.

He changed his plans and threw the ball to Nembhard, who exhausted his effort.

“I saw Hartenstein and I one on one at the top, so I thought I’d get my shot. But I heard Tom Thibodeau yelling to double,” Haliburton said.

“I probably held the ball a little too much. I should have been more aggressive in attacking the blitz, but I put you in a bit of a bad situation.

“He just made an unbelievable pitch. Big, big shot. [He] we really got to the moment when we needed it most and it was great to see.”

“That photo came from the ceiling. Best Saturday this week”, commented a delighted fan.

“Big chance for the pacers. They need this game or toast,” added another.

“Rewind 3 at the buzzer is crazy,” replied a third.

“Lucky prayer shot. He was shocked that he made it,” added a discordant voice.

The Pacers had blown a 12-point lead and were 106-106 trying to avoid going down 3-0 in the series.

Coach Rick Carlisle was delighted with Nembhard’s composure under pressure,

“He’s one of our toughest guys mentally and physically,” Carlisle said.

“And he really got love for that kind of moment.

“And playing on this type of stage, in this type of competition.

“Time was running late and sometimes in these situations you are even freer. And he just tied it up.

Haliburton added: “He missed some shots, but he was ready when his time came.

“I’m really excited for him because after the Bucks game – Game 3 – he said, ‘My biggest moment in the playoffs will be an offensive rebound.’

“So I’m happy that this is probably your biggest moment right now. I’m excited for him.”

Game 4 takes place in Indiana tomorrow as the Pacers try to even the series.