Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
If one single word can be used to describe the Pacers. vs Knicks battle at MSG, it would be epic. The game featured an NBA-season-high 39 lead changes. It was decided in overtime. Clutch hoops and free-throws from both teams made it a memorable affair.
When push came to shove, Pascal Siakam was able to make plays for Indiana. Two final free throws from Quenton Jackson helped the team to hold on for a rare victory. At 14-40 now and last in the East, they had been just 3-22 on the road entering action.
New York was 15.5-point favorite coming into the night, and had been sporting an impressive 21-6 record on their home floor. This one game will not change much in the standings, nor will it have a league-shattering impact.
But a lot was learned from this ECF rematch. Let’s dive into some of those takeaways.
Key Takeaways from Pacers-Knicks Epic Clash
The end of the battle at MSG tonight was one for the ages. The Knicks got 40 from Jalen Brunson. Josh Hart put up an impressive triple-double. But the absences of OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson were too much to overcome.
The first takeaway comes from the NY side. And it’s that the team will struggle to win ball-games without their talented frontcourt guys. Anunoby has added so much value to NY, the team going 92-46 in the games he has played in. On offense, it’s the energy and shot-making. On defense, it’s helping lock down the other team’s stars.
The offensive-rebounding prowess of Mitchell Robinson is as impressive as that of any other player in the NBA. His shot-blocking changes things on the defensive end. They will find it hard to win without these two. Jalen Brunson can only do so much.
Now for a Pacers takeaway. Pascal Siakam showed up when the team needed, as he finished with a team-high of 30. Andrew Nembhard added a double-double. and Quenton Jackson hit some big shots and free-throws late. A team that has been challenged all season without Tyrese Haliburton, they persisted and scored a huge victory.
The thing to take away here is that this is a team that will be fantastic when next season rolls around. Ivica Zubac should get some run down the stretch, the starting center for the long-term now here after the deadline. The team plays hard every night, and has been able to challenge a lot of squads.
Taking out the team who they beat in the ECF without Haliburton had to feel special.
Final Takeaway from Knicks-Pacers
In a league where tanking has started to get out of control, the Pacers have primarily played their healthy guys. Pascal Siakam is representing this 14-win team in the All-Star Game. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith are treating every game in equal importance.
Rick Carlisle has not openly tanked any games for this team amidst it’s tough campaign, but have tried to do what they can to win. The trade to acquire Ivica Zubac also moved next year’s first-round pick. The good news is though, if it falls anywhere outside of the 5-9 range, they get to keep it. Otherwise, it will be LA’s.
Indiana was one Tyrese Haliburton mishap away from possibly being NBA champions last year. The torn Achilles was too much to overcome in Game 7, and his hot start to that one had the fans thinking a legendary performance was on the way.
Keep your eyes on the Pacers. When 2026-27 rolls around, they’ll jump right back into contention in the East.