In a series that’s quickly becoming a testament to resilience and star power, the Indiana Pacers delivered another jaw-dropping performance, defeating the New York Knicks 114-109 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With Pascal Siakam erupting for a playoff career-high 39 points, the Pacers seized a commanding 2-0 series lead and etched their name into history with a sixth consecutive road playoff victory—a feat unmatched in franchise lore.
Siakam’s Defining Moment
From the opening tip, Siakam imposed his will on the game, scoring Indiana’s first 11 points and finishing the first half with 23. His blend of mid-range artistry, relentless drives, and clutch three-point shooting left the Knicks scrambling for answers. By night’s end, he’d tallied 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting, including a dagger three-pointer during a pivotal 13-4 fourth-quarter run that swung momentum decisively in Indiana’s favor.
“The rotations weren’t there,” admitted Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who fought valiantly with 36 points and 11 assists but couldn’t stem the tide of Siakam’s onslaught. Siakam’s performance wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a masterclass in playoff execution, blending efficiency with poise under pressure.
Historic Road Warriors
The Pacers’ sixth straight road win—a first in their postseason history—underscores their adaptability and depth. Even with Tyrese Haliburton struggling (14 points on 5-of-16 shooting), Indiana’s supporting cast stepped up. Myles Turner’s thunderous dunk through contact in the fourth quarter and Ben Sheppard’s timely three-pointer epitomized the team’s “next man up” ethos. This resilience has defined their playoff run, with the Pacers now 7-0 in clutch games this postseason.
Knicks’ Collapse Echoes Game 1 Heartbreak
For New York, the loss echoed the haunting collapse of Game 1, where a 17-point lead evaporated in the final minutes. This time, the Knicks entered the fourth quarter tied but faltered defensively, allowing Indiana to shoot 5-for-5 to start the period. Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 35 in Game 1, struggled mightily (-20 plus/minus) and watched the final six minutes from the bench. The Garden crowd, still reeling from Wednesday’s overtime nightmare, fell into stunned silence as the Pacers methodically dismantled their hopes.
A Daunting Path Ahead
History now looms large over the Knicks. Since 1956, teams losing the first two games of a series at home have advanced just 7.3% of the time. To avoid joining that grim statistic, New York must solve Indiana’s tempo and defensive adjustments. Meanwhile, the Pacers—fueled by Siakam’s brilliance and a league-best offense—are one step closer to their first Finals appearance since 2000.
As the series shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3, the stage is set for a potential coronation. The Pacers, once dismissed as underdogs, now stand on the brink of basketball’s grandest stage. For Siakam and Co., the message is clear: the spotlight has never looked brighter.
Game 3 tips off Sunday, May 25, at 8:00 PM ET in Indianapolis.
