Pacers Win Game 2, Lead Knicks 2-0 in Eastern Conference Finals

NEW YORK, NY — The Indiana Pacers took a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals with a hard-fought 114-109 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night at Madison Square Garden. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with a playoff career-high 39 points, solidifying their momentum as they head to Indiana for Game 3 on Sunday.

Siakam, who finished 15 for 23 from the field, played a crucial role in keeping the Pacers competitive throughout the game. His teammates, Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton, contributed with 16 and 14 points respectively, while Haliburton also added 11 assists and eight rebounds.

“We have a long way to go and it’s only going to get tougher for us,” Siakam said after the game. The Pacers have shown resilience on the road, winning six consecutive playoff games since a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks earlier in the playoffs.

The Knicks, searching for their first appearance in the conference finals in 25 years, were led by Jalen Brunson’s 36 points and 11 assists. Despite showing improvement in their defense from Game 1, they struggled to regain control in the final minutes, ultimately falling short.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau pointed out the need for his team to make better plays as they prepare for the next game. “Going into the fourth quarter, it’s a tie ballgame. We’ve just got to make better plays, more winning plays,” Thibodeau said.

After a tight third quarter that ended in a tie at 81, the Pacers broke through early in the fourth with a 13-4 run that put them ahead. While the Knicks battled back, making it a one-point game in the final seconds, the Pacers sealed the win with critical free throws from Siakam and Turner.

This matchup marked the 50th playoff meeting between the franchises, with Indiana leading the series 28-22 since their rivalry began in 1993.

Game 3 is set for 8 p.m. on Sunday in Indiana, coinciding with the excitement of the Indianapolis 500 that afternoon.