During the third quarter of Game 5 between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks on Thursday, Miles McBride fouled Pascal Siakam, prompting officials to review the play for a flagrant foul. This incident stirred controversy, with Reggie Miller expressing strong disapproval of the referees‘ decision to consider upgrading the call. The focus on the Pascal Siakam flagrant foul review reaction highlights tensions around officiating in the playoffs.
Details of the Foul and Referee Review
The play unfolded after a missed shot by Delon Wright, with the Pacers quickly moving on a fastbreak. Obi Toppin assisted Siakam for a layup attempt, which McBride impeded by holding him back. Referees took time to analyze the contact for a possible flagrant foul. After a prolonged review, crew chief Zach Zarba clarified that McBride did not execute a wind-up or follow-through in the foul, so the original call of a common foul remained. Siakam then returned to the free-throw line, making one of two attempts.
The Pacers capitalized on the momentum with an offensive rebound grabbed by Jarace Walker, followed by Siakam facilitating an and-1 play with a pass to Bennedict Mathurin. Shortly after, Ben Sheppard made a key 24-foot jump shot, energizing the Pacers and erasing a 22-point deficit, as they entered the final quarter trailing 90-73.
Reggie Miller Criticizes Officials’ Consideration for Flagrant Foul
TNT analyst Reggie Miller voiced strong criticism about the referees‘ decision to review the contact for a flagrant foul. Addressing the seriousness of playoff basketball, Miller said,
“Come on, now. I’ve been kissed harder than that. These are the playoffs now. These officials know that. … This will set playoff basketball back if they deem this a Flagrant 1.” —Reggie Miller, TNT Analyst
Pacers’ Reliance on Pascal Siakam’s Performance in the Series
Siakam’s impact has been critical for the Pacers’ success in this Eastern Conference series. His scoring consistency has fluctuated, influencing the team’s chances against the Knicks. In Game 1, Siakam posted 17 points with 7-of-16 shooting, a modest contribution offset by Aaron Nesmith‘s 30 points, notably 18 in the final five minutes to force overtime. Other teammates like T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin also provided support during Siakam’s quieter performance.
When the Pacers secured victories in Games 2 and 4, Siakam averaged a much stronger 34.5 points. Conversely, in the losses during Games 3 and 5, his scoring dipped to 16.5 points per game. Following Game 5, Siakam expressed confidence in the team’s resilience with an “us against the world” mentality, signaling a determined mindset for Game 6.
Outlook for Game 6 and the Series
As the series heads toward a potential decisive Game 6 on Saturday, Pascal Siakam’s ability to lead and perform will play a significant role in the Pacers’ attempt to close out the series. The controversy over the flagrant foul review adds to the high stakes atmosphere, where every call and player effort could shape the final outcome of this Eastern Conference matchup.