In an electrifying playoff matchup, Pascal Siakam delivered a career-high performance, scoring 39 points, leading the Indiana Pacers to a thrilling 114-109 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night. This win puts the Pacers ahead 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals, bringing them one step closer to their second trip to the NBA Finals, a feat they've not achieved since their loss to the Lakers in 2000.
Alongside Siakam's remarkable scoring, Myles Turner contributed 16 points, while Tyrese Haliburton showcased his all-around game with 14 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds. The Pacers, now halfway to the Finals, have demonstrated their prowess on the road, winning six straight games since their only loss in the postseason against Milwaukee in the first round.
Siakam's shooting was exceptional, finishing 15-for-23 from the field. Despite the high-scoring nature of the Pacers, no other player managed more than five baskets, underscoring Siakam's pivotal role in the game. "Special game," said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. "In the first half, he was the guy that got us going and got us through some difficult stretches."
According to ESPN Research, the Pacers are undefeated at 9-0 when leading 2-0 in a best-of-seven series, while the Knicks face an uphill battle, having lost all 14 of their previous series when trailing 2-0. Historically, teams with a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven series have an impressive win rate of .922, with no team having ever come back from a 2-0 deficit at home in the conference finals.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the need for his team to improve their performance, especially in crucial moments. "Going into the fourth quarter, it's a tie ballgame. We've just got to make better plays, more winning plays," he stated. Jalen Brunson was a standout for the Knicks, scoring 36 points and providing 11 assists, but the team struggled to find a consistent rhythm after a poor start to the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the score tied at 81, but the Pacers quickly took control with a 13-4 run, pushing their lead to 94-85 after a 3-pointer from Siakam. Despite the Knicks' efforts to regain momentum, including a nine-point run to close the gap to 110-109 with just 14 seconds left, the Pacers sealed the game with crucial free throws by Aaron Nesmith and Turner.
This matchup marked the 50th playoff meeting between the Pacers and the Knicks, with Indiana holding a 28-22 advantage since their first encounter in 1993. The intensity of the game resembled the fierce defensive battles of the 1990s rather than the high-scoring shootout from Game 1. The Pacers initially surged to a 19-9 lead, but the Knicks quickly responded, resulting in a tightly contested game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
As the series shifts to Indiana for Game 3 on Sunday, the Pacers are in a strong position, looking to extend their lead and move closer to the coveted NBA Finals. The Knicks, on the other hand, must regroup and find a way to overcome their early playoff struggles if they hope to keep their championship dreams alive.
