In the world of basketball, Playoff wins on the road carry a unique significance, and the Indiana Pacers are currently experiencing this thrill as they have secured six consecutive victories away from home. As they take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, the spotlight shines brightly on their star player, Pascal Siakam, who has been instrumental in their success.
The Pacers have made a strong statement by winning the first two games of the series against the New York Knicks at the iconic Madison Square Garden. In Game 1, it was Aaron Nesmith who dazzled with his 3-point shooting, while Tyrese Haliburton showcased his clutch ability, leading Indiana to a narrow victory. Game 2 saw Siakam and Myles Turner take center stage as they pulled away late in the game, solidifying their 2-0 series lead.
In a thrilling Game 2, the Pacers edged out the Knicks 114-109. The game was a nail-biter, featuring 17 lead changes and 15 ties before the fourth quarter. Indiana ignited a 13-4 run to start the final frame, thanks to a combined 20 points from Siakam and Turner, ensuring they never trailed again.
Pascal Siakam delivered a playoff career-high of 39 points, alongside 5 rebounds and 3 assists, tying Reggie Miller for the most points scored by a Pacer in a playoff game at Madison Square Garden. His performance was hailed by Haliburton, who remarked, “That’s why we brought him here… we just kept feeding him.” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised Siakam, stating, “Special game… he did everything.”
As the rivalry reached its 50th playoff meeting, the intensity was palpable. The Pacers, now with a perfect 7-0 record in clutch situations during this playoff run, are proving to be a formidable force.
The Pacers' current road win streak is notable not only for its length but also for its historical significance. They have now improved to 6-1 away from home this postseason, extending their winning streak to six games. Historically, teams that win the first two games of a best-of-seven series on the road have an impressive 86.5% success rate in winning the series.
This impressive run places the Pacers among elite company. They join the 2024 Celtics, 2017 Cavaliers, and others as one of the few teams to win at least six straight road games in a single postseason. In fact, the previous teams that achieved this feat all reached the Finals, with six of them ultimately taking home the championship trophy.
As the series shifts to Indiana for Games 3 and 4, the Pacers are eager to maintain their momentum. TJ McConnell expressed excitement about returning home, stating, “Happy to be going back to Indy… We’re excited to play in front of our fans.” The next game is set for Sunday at 8 PM ET on TNT, where the Pacers aim to extend their series lead.
While the Pacers celebrate their success, the Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves in a precarious situation, down 2-0 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Facing a potential 3-0 deficit, which no team has ever overcome, the Wolves are feeling the pressure. Jaden McDaniels emphasized the need for urgency, stating, “Every possession matters. Every game, everything matters.”
The Timberwolves return to Target Center for Game 3, where they have historically performed better. Their regular-season net rating shows a significant improvement at home, and they hope to leverage this advantage to secure a crucial victory. Coach Chris Finch noted, “We’re going to go home and fight for Game 3,” reinforcing the importance of this matchup.
As the playoffs continue to unfold, both the Pacers and the Timberwolves are showcasing their resilience and determination, promising an exhilarating finish to the series.
The Thunder’s defense has been a standout feature throughout the playoffs, holding the Timberwolves to a mere 191 points over the first two games of their series. With a playoff-best defensive rating, they have proven to be a formidable challenge for Minnesota. Coach Mark Daigneault highlighted the Thunder's approach, stating, “It’s really about what level of discomfort we’re able to put on the opponent.”
This week also saw the announcement of the Kia All-NBA Teams, honoring the top performers of the 2024-25 season. Players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokić received recognition for their outstanding contributions to their teams.
As the playoffs progress, the stakes get higher, and the performances become more crucial. With the Pacers leading their series, the Timberwolves fighting to stay alive, and the Thunder's defensive prowess on display, basketball fans can look forward to an exciting continuation of the NBA playoffs.
