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INDIANAPOLIS — On Saturday night, following their decisive 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6, the Indiana Pacers basked in the moment as stars Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam shared a heartfelt embrace on the court.
This was the pivotal moment for which Siakam had been acquired.
The Pacers signed Siakam on January 17, 2024, bringing him in from the Toronto Raptors, where he had spent his entire career and played a crucial role in their 2019 NBA championship victory. As a two-time All-Star during his tenure in Toronto and again this season with the Pacers, Siakam provided experienced leadership essential for a young, determined team. He was seen as an ideal match for Haliburton.
And Siakam certainly met those expectations.
“If you have the right player to build around, things can progress much quicker than anticipated,” head coach Rick Carlisle noted. “Acquiring Tyrese clarified the direction we needed to take as a team. We aimed to be a high-tempo squad focused on shooting, which we had in our arsenal.
“The Siakam acquisition elevated us significantly.”
Great leaders maintain composure in challenging situations. As the threat of a closeout Game 7 loomed, Siakam stepped up in Game 6 on home turf.
The Pacers had a chance to secure a victory over the Knicks in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, but they appeared lackluster and uninspired. New York seized an early lead and maintained control, while Indiana struggled to find their rhythm. Siakam recorded 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists in a game where he was the only Indiana starter to reach double digits. Following that disappointing performance, the Pacers were determined to review tape and rectify their mistakes, pledging to guard New York’s sharpshooters with heightened urgency.
In Saturday’s game, the Pacers ultimately demonstrated their rightful place among basketball’s elite, advancing to the franchise’s second-ever NBA Finals, where they will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 is set for Thursday, June 5, in OKC at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Despite a quiet start, Haliburton’s mainstay, Siakam, was the first Pacer to score in double figures. He showcased finesse on offense with turnaround jumpers, leaving the Knicks scrambling for answers. Additionally, Siakam took advantage of fast breaks, sprinting past defenders for easy baskets. On defense, he exerted his strength, effectively neutralizing Karl-Anthony Towns.
In a definitive home win, Siakam topped all scorers with 31 points, marking his third game of the series with over 30 points. With a shooting efficiency of 55 percent (10 of 18), including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, Siakam’s exceptional performance earned him the Eastern Conference Finals MVP accolade.
“Congrats to Pascal, a truly deserving individual who has been a pillar of consistency all year, with many teammates contributing to this victory,” praised Carlisle.
Throughout the series against the Knicks, Siakam provided a steady hand, averaging 24.8 points per game. His championship background also meant that he offered invaluable insights to his teammates in the locker room.
“We brought in a champion who has experienced both triumphs and adversity … someone who had to work for his success,” commented Pacers center Myles Turner. “He’s an MVP from the G League finals and an All-Star. He brings a wealth of experience to the team that I couldn’t convey myself.
“When you have someone who’s truly endured these moments and understands the emotional turbulence that comes during this time, it’s invaluable. You can’t explain that feeling unless you’ve been through it.”
Leaving Toronto was not only difficult for Siakam because of winning a ring with the Raptors, but also because Toronto’s “Jurassic Park” nurtured his deep passion for basketball, long before he realized it was a lifestyle in America.
“Leaving Toronto was emotional for me … I arrived there as a young kid, and it shaped who I am today. Parting with that place was tough,” Siakam reflected. “From my first discussion with Chad Buchanan (Pacers GM), Kevin Pritchard (president of basketball operations), and Coach Carlisle, I knew this was a goal we could achieve. Their support throughout this journey has been incredible, not that I sought affirmation; just having them there meant a lot.
“The backing from the organization and the fans is something I truly value. It’s rewarding to reach this point, to have the chance to compete for an NBA championship after a year and a half of hard work.”
Siakam’s readiness to make an impact was evident from the moment he wore the Pacers’ colors. Over 41 games during the 2023-24 season, he averaged 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. After the conclusion of Indiana’s season in the Eastern Conference Finals, Siakam invited his teammates over to his home to strengthen the chemistry that had begun to flourish.
“I think it’s crucial to maintain that bond, which is why I asked everyone to come over during the summer. We had a great time together. Every person on this team is fantastic,” Siakam noted. “When you have a group like that, with everyone committed to the goal and putting the team first, that’s ideal.
“Moreover, we show resilience. We don’t give up. Even after tough games, we come back every day committed to working hard—that’s what you want from a team. That’s why I have always supported these guys.”
And his teammates reciprocate that support. From the outset, especially Haliburton. The All-Star point guard was the first to recognize the potential of their partnership.
“When we acquired him, we had a vision in mind,” Haliburton shared. “We envisioned achieving something special together. It’s genuinely remarkable that he’s here. He has become like a big brother to me, someone I can trust and lean on for support, and who always keeps me grounded.”
Siakam has also provided stability for Bennedict Mathurin, the third-year guard/forward from Montreal. Their bond goes beyond their shared French language and Canadian upbringing. They both possess an unyielding competitive spirit and a relentless work ethic.
“He’s phenomenal,” Mathurin remarked. “He maintains a calm demeanor, regardless of whether we win or lose. His experience makes it easy to follow his guidance. This moment is simply amazing.”
As Siakam raised the Larry Bird Trophy alongside Reggie Miller in front of a sold-out, gold-clad crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the young man from Cameroon etched his name into the storied legacy of Indiana basketball.
He now grasps the sentiment that “in 49 states, it’s just basketball.”
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Shakeia Taylor is a staff writer for The Athletic, specializing in NBA coverage. Prior to joining The Athletic, she worked as a sports journalist for the Chicago Tribune. Follow Shakeia on Twitter @curlyfro.
