Indiana Pacers star forward Pascal Siakam had an awkward exchange with a columnist after the Pacers dropped Game 5 to the Knicks 111-94 on Thursday.
The Pacers had a chance to advance to the NBA Finals with a win Thursday night at Madison Square Garden but were instead blown out in Game 5 to send the series back to Indiana. The Pacers still lead the series 3-2.
After the game, [Siakam declared](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8URrvsmQqSA) that the Knicks played harder than the Pacers, which gave New York an edge.
The Knicks out-rebounded the Pacers 45-40, including an 11-8 advantage on the offensive glass.
"They played harder than us, I think,“ Pascal Siakam said. ”I think they played harder than us – loose balls, rebounds, like all that. We’ve gotta be able to win that battle."
Gregg Doyel of The Indianapolis Star then asked Siakam how the Pacers let another team play harder than them in such a critical game.
It was the start of an awkward back-and-forth conversation.
“Pascal, can you make sense of it for those of us who don’t play this game at this level, like, you know what was at stake. And you’re saying they played harder than you guys. You didn’t fight them hard enough. How is that possible?” Doyel asked.
“What do you mean?” Siakam responded.
Doyel continued, implying that with a chance to end the series, the Pacers should not have let the Knicks play harder.
“How is it possible to not fight hard enough in Game 5?” he said.
Siakam didn’t back down.
"What are you talking about? They played harder than us. It’s OK. We played hard, but they played harder. What’s your point? I don’t get it. ... That happens in a game, though. That’s basketball."
Doyel continued to push back: "In Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs? I’m just saying…"
Siakam replied: “You good? You good, bro? You’re looking for something, I know, but damn. … I’m telling you, though, I told you. What else do you want me to tell you?"
Doyel made one final attempt to get an explanation.
“I want you to tell me how. That’s all I’m asking,” he said.
Siakam did not give in.
“Well, what about you tell me. … Who is this guy? Who is this guy? What’s your name, bro?"
Siakam was then told that the reporter asking the questions was Gregg Doyel of The Indianapolis Star, before the exchange came to an end.
To be fair to both Pascal Siakam and Gregg Doyel, it is fair to question how a team can get out-hustled with a chance to clinch a spot in the NBA Finals. However, it is also understandable that the Knicks played more desperate while playing at home with their season on the line.
No matter what side you are on, Game 6 Saturday in Indiana should be quite the entertaining battle.