In an exhilarating display of skill and leadership, Pascal Siakam led the Indiana Pacers to a 114-109 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, bringing the Pacers to a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Siakam, who finished the game with a career-playoff-high of 39 points, set the tone early, scoring the Pacers’ first 11 points and holding a remarkable 23 by halftime.
Siakam’s performance was remarkable, shooting an impressive 15 of 23 from the field, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc and 6 of 8 from the free-throw line. He also contributed five rebounds, three assists, and one steal, proving to be unstoppable on both offense and defense against a fervent Madison Square Garden crowd. His ability to silence the Knicks’ home crowd at pivotal moments was key to maintaining momentum throughout the game.
“You can’t get too high with the highs and too low with the lows,” Siakam said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and teamwork as they advance. His teammate, Tyrese Haliburton, praised Siakam for his versatility and ability to affect the game in various ways, reinforcing Siakam’s role as a vital contributor since joining the Pacers from the Toronto Raptors, where he won a championship in 2019.
The game was marked by its intensity, featuring 17 ties and 17 lead changes. Despite a competitive atmosphere, Indiana overcame early challenges and capitalized on fast break opportunities, scoring 14-7 on fast breaks, with Siakam accounting for 10 of those points. The team’s depth was on full display as six Pacers finished in double figures, showcasing their collective effort in pursuit of victory.
Coach Rick Carlisle highlighted Siakam’s impact, noting how crucial he was in navigating through tough stretches in the game. The Pacers displayed remarkable efficiency with a shooting percentage of 51.8% and limited their turnovers to just 10, outscoring the Knicks 44-16 off turnovers over the course of the series.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will attempt to push New York to the brink of elimination in Game 3, poised to continue their impressive playoff run. With a solid strategy and strong team chemistry, Indiana aims to repeat its triumphs on the road and secure a spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
As the series progresses, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the Pacers, who are riding a six-game winning streak and appear ready to face any challenges that lie ahead.