Pacers’ Pascal Siakam reveals the key behind 2–0 lead over Knicks in Eastern Conference Finals
Indiana Pacers star Pascal Siakam spoke about the driving force behind the team’s success in the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, highlighting the key factor that helped them take a 2–0 series lead over the New York Knicks.
The Indiana Pacers are making a serious postseason statement, jumping out to a 2–0 series lead over the New York Knicks and seizing home-court advantage with two commanding wins at Madison Square Garden. The driving force in Game 2? Pascal Siakam, whose stellar play continues to set the tone for Indiana’s NBA playoff run.
Siakam delivered a postseason performance to remember, scoring 39 points on an ultra-efficient 15-of-23 from the field, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. He added five rebounds and three assists to his stat line. Still, the veteran forward deflected praise, crediting his teammates for keeping him locked in and aggressive throughout the game, according to The Athletic.
“Whatever was out there, I just took it,” Siakam told reporters. “What makes us special is that we have different weapons and no one is caught up in who gets the credit. We just play how the game presents itself—and do it our way. It doesn’t matter who’s scoring.”
The two-time NBA All-Star emphasized the importance of staying within himself while acknowledging his teammates’ role in his big night. “I just try to play my game,” he said. “Shout-out to my teammates for finding me and making sure I stayed aggressive the whole game. It’s going to take all of us to get where we want to go.”
Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers
Siakam appreciates being viewed as a leader
Despite their commanding position in the series, Siakam warned against complacency. Heading back to Indiana with a 2–0 lead is a huge advantage, but the Knicks remain dangerous, particularly if they regain offensive rhythm. The veteran forward stressed the need to stay grounded and expressed appreciation for the leadership role he’s taken on.
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“We can’t ride the waves,” Siakam said. “We can’t get too high with the highs or too low with the lows. I just appreciate the opportunity I have here, being around guys who want to hear my voice and who want me to speak up.”
Haliburton praises Siakam’s impact
While Siakam stole the spotlight, he wasn’t the only one setting the tone. Point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana’s floor general and vocal leader, made sure to recognize what Siakam brings to the table on nights like this.
“That’s why we brought him here. It’s what he’s here to do,” Haliburton said. “He can get a bucket in so many different ways. He started the game hot, and we just kept feeding him. He made big shot after big shot, really killing their momentum.”
Haliburton highlighted Siakam’s composure in the face of a hostile road environment and high-stakes moments. “When you’re in a place like the Garden and the crowd is into it, those shots can break their spirit,” he added. “He just kept making big plays. He was amazing for us—a big reason why we came out on top.”
