Pascal Siakam was the Raptors’ second-leading scorer during the playoffs when they captured the 2019 title, but he’s in an even more important position with the Pacers in this year’s NBA Finals, writes Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca. Siakam played a complementary role to Kawhi Leonard that season in Toronto, but he’s a key cog in the success of Indiana’s offense. The Pacers rely on him to draw attention from opposing defenses and create shot opportunities for teammates.
Grange notes that Siakam struggled to make that happen against Oklahoma City’s swarming defense in Game 2, shooting 3-of-11 from the field and handing out four assists.
“They do a good job of just packing everything, making everything disruptive. We’ve got to be stronger with the ball obviously, but also be decisive,” Siakam told reporters on Tuesday. “Whatever we decide to do, just do it.”
Along with Siakam’s championship experience, which has been a source of inspiration to his younger teammates, he’s been delivering on the court throughout the Pacers’ playoff run. He’s leading the team in scoring at 20.6 PPG in the playoffs and was named Most Valuable Player in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Siakam is somewhat surprised to already be viewed as a veteran leader at age 31, and he’s amazed to be within reach of a second NBA championship after entering the league without much fanfare in 2016.
“Obviously, I’m super grateful,” he said. “That little kid that was in Basketball Without Borders, I had dreams, but nothing near what’s happening to me in my life and what I’ve been able to accomplish. I’m grateful. For me, it’s amazing and I’ll forever be grateful to everyone that helped me throughout my journey. But it’s hard for me to reflect on because I’m still in it and I’m still chasing every single day.”
There’s more from Indiana:
- The Pacers plan to be more aggressive about attacking the basket in Game 3, per Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. He notes that Indiana didn’t score a single point in the paint in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss as OKC concentrated on staying in front of Tyrese Haliburton, who shot just 1-of-5 in the first half. “We have to do a better job of getting to the paint,” Haliburton said after the Game 2 loss. “It’s a lot easier said than done.”
- Former Pacers coach and executive Larry Bird is still taking a hands-on role as a consultant with the organization, coach Rick Carlisle told reporters prior to tonight’s game (Twitter link from Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files). Bird plans to help evaluate prospects during a pre-draft workout on Thursday.
- Between the success of the Pacers and the popularity of WNBA star Caitlin Clark, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press takes a look at the booming status of basketball in Indiana.
Glad Bird is involved. He definitely best Magic in the management department.
Basically TJ McConnell game, would think OKC would account for him after that 2nd in bound steal. He changed the energy too much.
What a breathe of fresh air to not have SGA get a totally different whistle then every other player.
@ DarkGhost. Definitely..hope it stays that way.
OK I’m impressed now ….. Pacers stepping up.
It’s a 48 min game. Pacers are proving that right now. Can’t just be SGA. He has to use his teammates. Big win tonight …
Pacers are learning how to let those fish flop around without touching them. But it’s still embarrassing to watch OKC need to win Oscar’s to have a shot despite being such a better team.
The teams are very close to equal as far as level.
OKC’s better reg season doesn’t change that.