The Indiana Pacers currently lead the New York Knicks 2-1 in the closely contested Eastern Conference Finals. With a spot in the NBA Finals at stake, the Pacers are poised to extend their series advantage to 3-1 Tuesday night, underscoring the importance of Pascal Siakam’s impact in Eastern Conference Finals competition.
Both the Pacers and Knicks have not reached the NBA Finals in over 20 years, which adds extra urgency to this matchup as each franchise looks to end its long playoff drought. Central to the Pacers’ efforts is Pascal Siakam, who has emerged as a key figure in his first full season with Indiana. His experience and skill are critical in this high-stakes series.
Before his time with the Pacers, Siakam spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Toronto Raptors. During that period, he earned two All-Star nods, was named to the All-NBA team twice, and received the Most Improved Player award for the 2018-19 season. Most notably, Siakam played an essential role in guiding the Raptors to their inaugural NBA championship in 2019.
One of his teammates during that title run was OG Anunoby, now a star forward for the Knicks. The pair, once united by championship success, are now adversaries in the conference finals. Despite their current rivalry, Anunoby emphasized the strong bond they still share beyond the court.
OG Anunoby Reflects on Friendship and Rivalry with Pascal Siakam
Addressing Siakam ahead of Game 4, Anunoby acknowledged their continued friendship despite facing off in the playoff series.
“Pascal is one of my great friends in the league,”
Anunoby said.
“We were very close as teammates. He’s a great player and a great person.”
This camaraderie highlights the personal connections that remain intact even amidst fierce competition, adding depth to the narrative of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Historic Stakes as Both Teams Chase NBA Finals Return
Both the Knicks and Pacers are eager to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in decades, aiming to end long playoff absences. For Siakam and Anunoby, this series represents their chance to return to the Finals after their championship success with Toronto in 2019. Their performances will be critical in determining which team advances, shaping the future momentum of both franchises.