Pascal Siakam put on a show at Madison Square Garden, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 114-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Siakam scored 39 points, shooting an impressive 15-for-23 from the field, marking his best performance not only of the playoffs but of the entire season.
The game took place on May 23, 2025, and Siakam’s explosive play was crucial for the Pacers, especially in transition. The Knicks struggled to keep up, allowing the Pacers to score 14 fast-break points, seven more than they managed. Siakam often found ways to leak out on defense and outrun the Knicks down the court.
While the Knicks had their own stars, like Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith, it was Siakam who stole the spotlight. OG Anunoby, tasked with guarding Siakam, had a tough night, finishing with only 16 points. The Pacers’ forward was a key player in Toronto’s championship run in 2019 but has often played a supporting role in Indiana. However, when he plays at this level, he significantly raises the team’s potential.
In the fourth quarter, with the Knicks trailing 106-99, Siakam grabbed a crucial offensive rebound and hit both free throws, extending the Knicks’ deficit to 108-99. He later scored again in transition, receiving a perfect pass from Haliburton and finishing at the rim to push the lead to 110-100 with just under three minutes remaining.
Despite a quieter fourth quarter, Siakam’s earlier contributions were enough to secure the win for the Pacers. His performance not only showcased his scoring ability but also highlighted his defensive skills, as he effectively limited Anunoby’s impact on the game.
This victory puts the Pacers in a strong position as they continue their playoff journey, while the Knicks will need to regroup and address their defensive lapses if they hope to bounce back in the series.