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INDIANAPOLIS — Most of the discussion will center around Tyrese Haliburton.
The Pacers’ point guard overcame a calf strain that almost derailed the team’s remarkable season on Thursday night. He then delivered a performance reminiscent of Willis Reed, sparking a surprising 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of these thrilling NBA Finals. Such a display is a prime example of elite basketball, bringing the Pacers to the verge of a significant upset against the powerful Thunder in Game 7 in Oklahoma City on Sunday.
However, as often is the case with this resilient squad (a term of endearment), Haliburton’s flair for clutch plays and gripping narratives often eclipses the impact of Pascal Siakam since his trade from Toronto in January two years ago. Game 6 was no exception, with Siakam contributing 16 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists—an impressive stat line that might have gone unnoticed were it not for his notable moment on the highlight reel.
Throughout the series, Siakam has quietly positioned himself as the frontrunner for the unexpected MVP of the Finals. He is averaging 19.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.3 blocks, and 1.8 turnovers—figures that significantly exceed Haliburton’s 14.8 points, 6.8 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.5 turnovers per game, even if they lack Haliburton’s dramatic flair.
That’s what made their synchronized brilliance late in the second quarter so beautifully poetic.
Haliburton’s steal on the pass intended for Lu Dort, followed by an impressive Globetrotters-style dish to the speeding Siakam on the right. The 31-year-old Siakam soared through the air reminiscent of his college days at New Mexico State and executed a dunk over Dort and Williams that extended the Pacers’ lead to 20 points with just 40.2 seconds remaining in the first half. This moment epitomized Haliburton’s showmanship and showcased Siakam’s athleticism and speed, culminating in a stunning connection between the two.
Tyrese Haliburton’s no-look assist to Pascal Siakam for the sensational dunk 🤩pic.twitter.com/iSrrzTCkBp
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 20, 2025
“That was a memorable moment, especially since we always tease Pascal about not dunking anymore; it was great to see,” Haliburton remarked after finishing with 14 points, five assists, one turnover, and a plus-25 in just 23 minutes. “Honestly, Pascal and I haven’t yet discussed this play. I’m not sure we will until this is all over. But that was a blast. If we manage to win this thing, that play will surely be remembered.”
Siakam further inflated the lead with an 18-footer just before the half, bringing the advantage to 22 points—enough breathing room setting up a crucial Game 7. Observing the reaction of their teammates from the bench following Siakam’s dunk sheds light on the significance of this dynamic pairing to their team’s success.
Often overlooked is Siakam’s journey, as he was selected 27th by the Raptors in the 2016 NBA Draft and only began playing basketball at 17, initially having pursued soccer as a child in Cameroon. His rapid ascent upon moving to Lewisville, Texas, has led to a résumé that could one day see him in the Hall of Fame, a truly remarkable feat.
Before Game 6, Pacers assistant GM Chad Buchanan took a moment to remind Siakam that his high-flying days weren’t behind him, providing an opportune trip down memory lane.
“(Buchanan) showed me one of my college highlights the other day, and it felt a bit like college again,” Siakam shared. “Just baby bounce. It’s about getting the crowd involved, and I tried to do just that.”
And he certainly succeeded.
According to his teammates, Siakam’s ability to unite people, whether fans or fellow players, has become a crucial element of the Pacers’ underappreciated program. Rewind to September, following their unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Siakam embraced the trade to the Pacers, intending to sign a contract extension that materialized last summer. He invited the entire squad to his state-of-the-art training facility in Orlando, Florida. For four days, the team strengthened their bonds in a way that’s clearly proving beneficial.
They enjoyed golfing—both at Top Golf and regular courses—worked out at their hotel, visited Siakam’s facility for pick-up games, and engaged in strength training before sharing dinners together.
Successful playoff campaigns demand camaraderie, necessitating strong connections between key players and a collective ambition that transcends merely collecting checks playing basketball. According to every Pacer, that ethos starts with Siakam.
“It was incredibly meaningful,” Pacers forward Obi Toppin said. “Pascal is a fantastic person. He welcomed us all into his home with warm hearts. He’s experienced this before—winning the finals in 2019 with Toronto. He knows what it takes.
“He recognized the potential of our team last year. We could have reached this stage. He instilled in us the determination not to be satisfied with just making it to the Eastern Conference Finals. He communicated the commitment necessary to reach this point, guiding our efforts all year toward this success.”
While Siakam openly admits that he wasn’t a leader during that championship run with the Raptors, he acknowledges his growth, which is now benefiting the Pacers significantly.
“I wasn’t a leader back then,” he reflected earlier in the series. “On the court, I was just another player trying to make things happen. Off the court, I was still finding my way in my third year, surrounding myself with veterans who had far more experience than I did. I leaned on their confidence to help me play freely.
“Now, with my own experience after nine or ten years, I feel I have much more to offer—not just through my words but through my play as well. It’s crucial to experience these moments yourself. The key is to remain authentic and do what brought us here in the first place.”
Rick Carlisle has long recognized Siakam’s ascent. Prior to his arrival in Indiana, sources indicate that Carlisle frequently lauded Siakam’s capabilities privately, easing the trade’s transition. There exists a profound respect that could lead to an unlikely championship this Sunday.
“As you observe a player’s career trajectory, coaches notice the growth and effort it took to reach their current level,” Carlisle noted earlier in the series. “Siakam’s journey of continuous improvement, combined with his humility, has made him quite special.
“A year and a half ago, when presented with the opportunity to trade for him, I was confident he would meld into our team and adapt to our system easily. Frankly, I believed he could fit seamlessly into any team while maintaining a high performance. We are fortunate to have him, and his experience has significantly contributed to our team’s development.”
Sam Amick is a senior NBA writer for The Athletic, with a career spanning nearly twenty years covering the league through various esteemed outlets. Follow Sam on Twitter @sam_amick.
