Pascal Siakam, forward for the Indiana Pacers, faced pointed questioning immediately following the team’s 111–94 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday. The key moment unfolded during the post-game press conference when Siakam responded to tough questions about the Pacers’ effort, leading to a now-viral exchange with Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel.
Siakam’s remarks and reaction to Doyel’s persistent inquiries highlight how the tension on the court carried over into the media room, especially as the focus of scrutiny centered on whether the Pacers’ intensity matched the Knicks’ throughout the critical playoff game.
Siakam Questions Reporter’s Intent After Repeated Probes
During the interview, Doyel pushed Siakam on how it was possible the Knicks appeared to play harder than the Pacers in such an important playoff matchup. Siakam’s initial straightforward answer was that both teams played hard, but the Knicks outmatched them in effort. However, Doyel repeatedly pressed for more explanation, prompting Siakam to express visible frustration.
At one point, Siakam asked off to the side, seemingly to a public relations staffer, “Who is this guy?” underscoring his confusion and irritation with the line of questioning. This reaction occurred before Siakam firmly challenged Doyel by saying,
“You good? You good, bro? You’re looking for something I know, but damn. No, no, but I’m telling you, though. I told you. What else you want me to tell you?”
Background on Reporter Gregg Doyel and His Previous Controversies
Doyel is no stranger to confrontational interviews. Last year, he had an uncomfortable encounter with basketball player Caitlin Clark, when he asked her to perform a personal gesture reserved for her family, which led to his suspension and eventual removal from covering the Fever for the season. Since then, Doyel had kept a relatively low profile, aside from some provocative commentary comparing Tennessee transfer Nico Iamaleava’s move to Bryson DeChambeau joining LIV Golf.
Thursday’s interaction with Siakam, however, thrust him back into the spotlight, with Doyel later disabling replies to his latest column on his X (formerly Twitter) account, likely due to the critical attention the exchange attracted.
Verbatim Exchange Highlights the Frustration in the Room
The direct back-and-forth between Doyel and Siakam went as follows:
Doyel: “How is that possible?”
Siakam: “What do you mean?”
Doyel: “How is it possible to not play hard enough in Game 5?”
Siakam: “What are you talking about? They played harder than us. It’s OK. We played hard. They played harder. What’s your point? I don’t get it.”
Doyel: “My point is you’re saying you guys got outfought…”
Siakam: “That happens in a game, though. That’s basketball.”
Doyel: “In Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs?”
Siakam: “You good? You good, bro? You’re looking for something I know, but damn. No, no, but I’m telling you, though. I told you. What else you want me to tell you?”
Doyel: “I want you to tell me how. That’s all I’m asking.”
This exchange made clear that Siakam had delivered a direct explanation but found Doyel’s persistence repetitive and uncomfortable.
Siakam’s Composed Response Amid Pressures After Playoff Setback
Despite the uncomfortable questioning, Siakam maintained his composure. His assessment of the game, highlighting that the Knicks simply exerted more effort, was consistent. Those present noted that Siakam’s answers were clear, and the subsequent questioning did not yield additional insight but instead prolonged a tense atmosphere.
The Knicks, desperate to keep their season alive in front of a fervent home crowd at Madison Square Garden, visibly outworked the Pacers. The difference in effort was evident without needing further elaboration, which is one reason why Siakam was reluctant to continue explaining.
Implications of the Exchange for Media and Player Relations
This moment underscores the delicate balance between holding players accountable and recognizing when a line of questioning becomes counterproductive. While tough, honest questions are essential to sports journalism, Siakam’s exchange with Doyel demonstrates how repeated probing after a clear answer can cause friction and public discomfort.
For the Indiana Pacers and Siakam, the focus now shifts toward improving their performance as the playoffs advance. For reporters like Doyel, this interaction serves as a reminder of the fine line between assertive journalism and unnecessary badgering, especially when emotions run high on important stages like the NBA playoffs.