Pacers and Knicks Stars Clash in Eastern Conference Finals

INDIANA, USA — In a thrilling Eastern Conference Finals showdown, the Indiana Pacers are facing off against the New York Knicks, with former teammates Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby in the spotlight. Both players were traded from the Toronto Raptors earlier in the season, joining their new teams mid-campaign.

Pacers acquired Siakam in late February, adding a seasoned scorer with championship experience. He was a key player for the 2019 Raptors team that claimed the NBA title. Anunoby, who also played for that championship team, was traded to the Knicks just weeks before Siakam’s move, becoming a crucial defensive asset for New York.

In Game 2 of the series, Siakam shined with a playoff-career-high of 39 points, showcasing his offensive skills with a shooting performance of 15-of-23. His strong start was pivotal as he scored the Pacers’ first 11 points of the game. Meanwhile, Anunoby, who has been matching up against Siakam, contributed significantly to the Knicks with 16 points.

“He was the guy that got us going and got us through some difficult stretches,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said about Siakam after the game. Carlisle praised Siakam for his ability to score even against tough defensive matchups.

While Anunoby managed to hold Siakam to a less efficient shooting night in their initial matchup, Siakam found success throughout the first two games of the series, shooting 5-of-11 when directly defended by Anunoby. This dynamic has added an intriguing layer to the competition, as both players are driven to prove their worth in this high-stakes environment.

As they head into Game 3, expectations remain high for both players. Anunoby, who is three years younger than Siakam, scored 16 points in each of the first two games, hitting 5-of-8 when guarded by Siakam.

With Siakam signed to a lucrative four-year deal worth $189.5 million last offseason, and Anunoby in a similar contract situation, both franchises see their contributions as vital to their playoff success. “That’s why we brought him here,” commented Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton regarding Siakam’s impact.

As the series progresses, the battle between these two former Raptors teammates adds an exciting narrative to the Eastern Conference Finals.