The Indiana Pacers secured a major victory in the 2025 NBA playoffs, with Pascal Siakam crowned as the Eastern Conference Finals MVP. This accomplishment highlighted Siakam’s critical role in leading Indiana past the New York Knicks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Milwaukee Bucks en route to the NBA Finals.
Siakam was acquired from the Toronto Raptors last season, a move that has clearly paid dividends for the Pacers. Despite skepticism after Indiana was swept by the Boston Celtics in last year’s conference finals, Siakam and guard Tyrese Haliburton have proven their compatibility and importance to the team’s success. Siakam averaged 24.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, along with notable defensive stats in the Eastern Conference Finals, showcasing his all-around impact.
Haliburton Reflects on Siakam’s Role with the Pacers
Following Indiana’s advance to the NBA Finals and Siakam’s receipt of the Larry Bird Trophy, Haliburton emphasized how crucial Siakam has been to both him personally and the franchise as a whole. Haliburton said,
“When we brought him here, we had a vision,”
expressing the collective goal they shared when Siakam joined the team.
He added,
“He’s been like a big brother for me, someone I can really trust, somebody that I can really lean on and talk to, and just somebody who can always keep me steady.”
These comments reveal the strong bond and leadership Siakam provides in the locker room, boosting the confidence of younger players like Haliburton.
Siakam’s Performance Fuels Pacers’ Quest for the Championship
Siakam, who won the NBA championship with Toronto in 2019, has been a consistent force throughout the season. He posted averages of 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists during the regular season, and has slightly elevated his play in the postseason with 21.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His leadership and skills will be key as the Pacers face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, where only Siakam and Thunder guard Alex Caruso boast prior championship experience.
Indiana’s rise to the finals marks a significant milestone after last year’s disappointment, demonstrating how strategic roster changes like bringing in Siakam have reshaped the team’s trajectory. The 2025 postseason run also highlights the Pacers’ hopeful outlook as they chase their first NBA title.