Pascal Siakam shined in the playoffs, scoring a remarkable 39 points as the Indiana Pacers secured a 114-109 win against the New York Knicks. This victory put the Pacers ahead 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals, marking their sixth straight road win.
Siakam’s performance was backed by Myles Turner, with 16 points, and Tyrese Haliburton, who added 14 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds. As the team prepares to return to Indiana for Game 3, they need just two more wins to reach the NBA Finals for only the second time in franchise history.
Despite the excitement surrounding the potential of entering the Finals, Siakam emphasized the importance of staying focused. “We’re not looking ahead,” he stated. His dedication to the game shines through as he and his teammates concentrate on each match.
Early in the game, Siakam was crucial, scoring the Pacers’ first 11 points. Coach Rick Carlisle praised him, highlighting the difficulty of scoring in such a highly competitive environment. “He got us through some tough moments,” Carlisle remarked.
The Pacers started the fourth quarter strong, leading with a 13-4 run. However, the Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson with 36 points and 11 assists, made a fierce comeback, closing the gap to just one point. But in the end, free throws from Aaron Nesmith and Turner solidified Indiana’s victory.
Historically, teams that lose the first two games at home in the conference finals rarely recover, making the Knicks’ task increasingly daunting. As the series progresses, it’ll be interesting to see how the tides turn, especially with Game 3 fast approaching after the iconic Indy 500.
Fans on social media are buzzing about this series, sharing their excitement and predictions. With the stakes so high, this series is quickly becoming one for the ages.
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