The Indiana Pacers lost a crucial opportunity to clinch the Eastern Conference finals, falling 111-94 to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. This defeat forced the series back to Indiana as the Knicks used a strong defensive effort to turn the momentum. Pascal Siakam’s tense postgame interaction with a reporter highlighted the Pacers’ frustration over their inability to match the intensity that helped them build a 3-1 lead in the series.
Siakam’s Heated Interaction Reflects Indiana’s Frustrations
When asked to expand on his comments about the Pacers’ lack of effort, Siakam responded sharply.
“They played harder than us … we played hard, but they played harder,”
Siakam said.
“What’s your point, I don’t get it? That happens in a game that’s basketball.”
The exchange escalated as Siakam challenged the reporter directly, asking,
“You good, bro? You’re looking for something, but I told you … what else do you want me to tell you … Who’s this guy, what’s your name, bro?”
This moment captured the irritation that shadowed Indiana throughout the game, marked by lapses in energy and discipline.
Knicks Build Commanding Lead on Defense and Shooting
New York jumped out early, holding an 11-point advantage at halftime and never relinquishing control. The Knicks intensified their pressure in the third quarter with a 12-0 run that stifled any Pacers comeback effort. Indiana struggled with key aspects like rebounding and turnovers, which Knicks coach Rick Carlisle pinpointed after the game.
“We obviously didn’t play with the level of force that we needed to,”
Carlisle said.
“We lost the rebound battle. We lost the turnover battle. We didn’t shoot well. They had a lot to do with it. So, give them a lot of credit and we’re going to have to play better.”
Individual Performances Highlight Challenges for Indiana
Siakam posted 15 points in Game 5, his lowest scoring output during the series, as the Knicks executed a plan to cool down Indiana’s key shooters. Tyrese Haliburton was limited to only eight points while the team committed 20 turnovers under the Knicks’ defensive pressure. Haliburton reassured after the contest,
“We’re a resilient group. We always want to respond when things don’t go well after a game like that. We understand what the stakes are. … We’re fine. There’s no need to panic or anything.”
Pacers Aim to Bounce Back in Upcoming Games
Despite the setback, Indiana remains in a strong position with a 3-2 series lead and the chance to secure a trip to the NBA Finals with one more victory. Siakam emphasized the unpredictable nature of the playoffs and his team’s resilience, stating,
“You’re going to have bad games. This is the NBA, and there’s going to be times where a team is going to play hard. In fact, they’re going to beat you. It is just all about us, man. It’s always been us against the world, and I don’t expect it to change. We are 3-2 in a series, and we have an opportunity to go back home and show what we’re made of.”