Brotherly bonds solidified on the NBA court. Following their first professional matchup, the Nembhard siblings shared a meaningful jersey exchange in Dallas.
After the Indiana Pacers' 107-105 loss to the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday night inside American Airlines Center, the Nembhard brothers exchanged jerseys.
It was a postgame jersey swap outside the locker rooms — with Andrew giving his younger brother, Ryan, a No. 2 Icon Edition jersey in navy blue. Even though the Mavs wore white in the game, Ryan gave his brother their green Classic Edition jersey.
The moment was captured by Hall of Fame journalist Marc Stein, who is based in Dallas.
While Andrew is in his fourth NBA season, Ryan is just beginning. Both products of Gonzaga University.
Andrew did not play in the game after he sustained a left shoulder strain in their season-opening loss to the OKC Thunder. Ryan, who went undrafted, did not play either — a coach's decision. Kyrie Irving (right knee injury management) was also out and Anthony Davis exited the game in the first quarter with an injury.
The Mavs make their annual visit to Indianapolis on Feb. 22 — and both teams should be healthier by then.
Scott Agness is the longest-tenured Pacers beat reporter. He enters his 14th season covering the team and he's been around The Fieldhouse since 2003. He runs Fieldhouse Files — covering the Pacers, Boom, and Fever — and hosts "The Fieldhouse Files Podcast."