Pacers Take Control in Eastern Conference Finals with Victory Over Knicks
The Indiana Pacers are making a strong case for their championship aspirations, taking a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals after a tense 114-109 win against the New York Knicks. Pascal Siakam stole the spotlight with a thrilling playoff career-high of 39 points, showcasing his talent and determination.
With Game 3 set for Sunday evening in Indiana, the atmosphere will be electric, especially with the iconic Indianapolis 500 happening earlier that day. The Pacers have enjoyed remarkable success on the road, winning their last six games. They certainly hope that energy will translate to a home-court advantage.
"There’s a long journey ahead, and things will only get tougher from here," Siakam remarked after the game. Myles Turner contributed 16 points, while Tyrese Haliburton recorded a solid 14 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds. The Pacers are seeking their first NBA title, having previously lost to the Lakers in the 2000 Finals.
In a night where scoring was difficult for others, Siakam’s efficiency stood out, hitting 15 of 23 shots. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised Siakam for leading the team through challenging moments.
On the other side, the Knicks faced challenges despite Jalen Brunson’s impressive 36 points and 11 assists. They need to regroup quickly if they aim to avoid a swift exit from the playoffs after reaching the conference finals for the first time in 25 years.
Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns each added 20 points for the Knicks, but Towns’ limited playing time was a strategic choice by coach Tom Thibodeau, favoring defender Mitchell Robinson for stretches of the game.
No team has lost the first two home games in the conference finals and come back to win the series, creating a daunting task for the Knicks in the remaining games. Thibodeau emphasized the need for better execution down the stretch, as the game was tied at 81 heading into the final quarter.
The Pacers quickly took control in the fourth, fueled by Siakam’s crucial three-pointer, ultimately keeping the Knicks at bay even as they attempted to mount a comeback.
The matchup between these two rivals was a throwback to their intense defensive battles from the 1990s, contrasting sharply with the high-scoring affair just a few nights prior. Indiana took an early lead, only to see the Knicks respond, maintaining a close contest throughout most of the evening.
As the series shifts to Indiana, excitement is building, and both teams will be looking to lay it all on the line.
