Pascal Siakam had a remarkable performance, scoring 39 points as the Indiana Pacers triumphed over the New York Knicks with a score of 114-109. This victory marked the Pacers’ dominant position in the NBA Eastern Conference play-off finals, as they took a 2-0 lead in the series. Siakam’s explosive start was crucial, as he netted the Pacers’ first 11 points in front of a charged crowd at Madison Square Garden. With this win, the Pacers extended their streak to six consecutive play-off victories on the road, highlighting their resilience and determination in high-pressure situations.
As the best-of-seven series continues, Game three will shift to Indianapolis, set to tip-off at 01:00 BST on Monday. Siakam expressed his approach to the game, stating, “I just came out aggressive.” His consistency is evident as he has averaged over 20 points across six straight seasons, a testament to his scoring ability and overall impact on the floor. Siakam also reflected on the team’s dynamics, emphasizing, “We’re a team. It doesn’t matter who scores. That’s what I love so much about this team.” His role in igniting the Pacers early set the tone for the rest of the game, and he acknowledged the collective effort, saying, “I got it going early and the guys did a good job of finding me. Another night, it will be somebody else. That’s what makes us special.”
In addition to Siakam’s outstanding performance, Myles Turner contributed significantly with 16 points, while Tyrese Haliburton had a notable game as well, finishing with 14 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. The Pacers maintained control for much of the game, leading by 10 points with just over two minutes remaining. However, the Knicks mounted a late comeback attempt fueled by OG Anunoby’s two free throws and five points from Jalen Brunson, followed by a lay-up from Josh Hart. This offensive surge narrowed the gap to a mere point at 110-109.
In the final moments, the Pacers held their composure, with Aaron Nesmith and Turner each sinking two critical free throws to secure the victory. On the opposing side, Brunson’s impressive 36-point effort set a Knicks post-season record with 19 games of 30 points or more. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges also contributed to the Knicks’ offense, both scoring 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds each. Bridges remained optimistic despite the 2-0 series deficit, stating, “I know it is 2-0 but it is still a long series. We just have to find different ways to advance.”
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are also enjoying a strong start, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves 2-0. The stakes are high as the winners of each conference finals will face off in the NBA Finals scheduled from June 5 to June 22, promising an exciting conclusion to the season for basketball fans.
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