The Indiana Pacers are just two wins away from an NBA Finals appearance — and they’ve got Pascal Siakam to thank for that.
In front of a fired-up Madison Square Garden crowd, Siakam delivered a playoff masterclass, scoring a career-high 39 points to power the Pacers past the New York Knicks, 114-109, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
From the opening whistle, Siakam came out aggressive. He scored Indiana’s first 11 points of the night and had 16 in the first quarter alone. Every time the Knicks made a push, he had an answer — whether it was a smooth mid-range jumper, a strong finish at the rim, or a clutch three-pointer.
“He was incredible,” said teammate Tyrese Haliburton. “That’s exactly why we got him. He’s built for these moments.”
By the end of the third quarter, the game was tied at 81. But Siakam wasn’t done. He opened the fourth with a key 3-pointer and helped Indiana go on a 13-4 run that gave them control. New York kept it close late, but clutch free throws from Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner sealed the deal.
The Pacers now lead the series 2-0, with Games 3 and 4 set to be played in Indianapolis — right as the city buzzes for the Indy 500. With their momentum building, the Pacers are in prime position to book their first Finals trip since 2000.
A Team Built for the Moment
Siakam may have led the charge, but this win was also a product of Indiana’s all-around balance and poise. Haliburton chipped in with a near triple-double — 14 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds — while Turner added 16 points of his own.
The Pacers have now won six straight road games since the first round and have shown the kind of resilience and chemistry that championship teams need.
Coach Rick Carlisle praised Siakam’s shot selection and leadership: “He was the engine tonight. He attacked from everywhere — inside, mid-range, outside. It was a special game.”
On the other side, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points and 11 assists, but New York just couldn’t keep pace down the stretch. With no team in NBA history ever coming back from losing the first two games at home in the conference finals, the Knicks now face an uphill battle.
Game 3 tips off Sunday night, and the Pacers will look to feed off their home crowd and inch closer to NBA glory.
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