On Friday, May 23, during the 2025 NBA playoffs, Pascal Siakam delivered a playoff career-high performance by scoring 39 points, leading the Toronto Raptors to a 114-109 victory over the New York Knicks. Despite this impressive feat, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton responded with lighthearted teasing, continuing their ongoing playful rivalry. The Pacers currently hold a 10-2 record this postseason and lead the series 2-0 as it moves to Indianapolis.
Siakam’s outstanding evening included 15-of-23 shooting along with five rebounds and three assists, helping his team take a commanding series lead. Meanwhile, Haliburton struggled with his shooting efficiency, making just five of 16 attempts. Still, he contributed 14 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, maintaining his role as a key player for the Pacers.
Haliburton Teases Siakam With a Nod to a Viral Exchange
After the game, the playful tone between the two stars continued. As they walked through the arena, a reporter reminded Siakam,
“You were drafted almost 10 years ago.”
This prompted a humorous back-and-forth between Haliburton and Siakam, echoing a popular clip involving actors Kevin Hart and Don Cheadle.
Haliburton exclaimed, “Damn!” to which Siakam replied, “Bro.” This quip mirrored a viral exchange where Cheadle jokingly acknowledged his age, saying,
“But at the same time, like I said, me, I’m 56 years old,”
followed by Hart’s surprised reaction. Hart then apologized, stating,
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. It was a thought, and I blurted it out. I did not mean it that way.”
The actors’ banter was understood as coming “from a place of love,” similar to the camaraderie between Siakam and Haliburton.
Ongoing Friendly Rivalry Between Two Playoff Standouts
This is one of several light-hearted moments the two athletes have shared during the postseason. In a previous game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where the Pacers overcame a 19-point deficit to win Game 5 and advance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Siakam jokingly asked Haliburton if he counted as one of his veterans. Haliburton affirmatively replied, and Siakam responded with a laugh, “Appreciate that.”
Their chemistry both on and off the court has energized the Pacers, who are now just two wins away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. That year, the Pacers, led by Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose, reached the Finals but were defeated in six games by the Los Angeles Lakers, featuring Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
Siakam’s Finals Experience and What Lies Ahead
Pascal Siakam brings valuable Finals experience to the Pacers, having been a key contributor for the Toronto Raptors during their 2019 championship run. He was the team’s second-leading scorer in the Finals when they defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games to capture their first NBA title.
As the series shifts to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Siakam and Haliburton will look to extend their team’s favorable position by attempting to take a 3-0 lead over the Knicks. The third game is scheduled for Sunday, May 25, with tip-off at 8:00 p.m. ET, airing on TNT and Max.