Indiana Pacers star forward Pascal Siakam delivered another impressive scoring effort during Tuesday’s 130-121 Game 4 Eastern Conference finals home victory over the New York Knicks. Afterward, the three-time All-Star dismissed the notion that he needs to be a more consistent offensive focal point, crediting his squad’s team-first approach for its success.
With Indiana leading the series 2-1, Siakam stepped up to reach the 30-point mark for the second time in three outings. He finished with 30 points, five rebounds, two assists, and three 3-pointers on efficient 11-for-21 shooting (52.4%), supplementing his co-star Tyrese Haliburton’s exceptional, well-rounded effort.
Haliburton recorded a game-high 32 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists, four steals, five 3-pointers, and zero turnovers, neutralizing Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson’s team-best 31-point showing. His and Siakam’s one-two punch helped the Pacers build a 15-point fourth-quarter lead before hanging on for a commanding 3-1 series advantage.
Pascal Siakam Displays Humility After Pacers’ Game 4 Win Over Knicks
During Siakam’s postgame interview, TNT’s Charles Barkley quipped that despite his frequent scoring outbursts, Indiana “don’t run no plays” for him. The NBA legend then asked Siakam if he ever requests that the offense be run through him more often so he can become a consistent 25-points-per-game scorer.
Siakam, who is averaging 20.8 ppg across 14 postseason outings, laughed off the question, shifting the focus to the Pacers’ team-oriented mindset. The 2019 NBA champion added that he has embraced being a jack-of-all-trades team player since he was acquired from the Toronto Raptors early last year.
“That’s not who we are man… it’s all about team for us.” 🗣️
Pascal Siakam is all in on team success as he joins Inside after a Game 4 win. pic.twitter.com/GHKtN4f6a3
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 28, 2025
“Nah, that’s not who we are, man, at the end of the day,” Siakam said. “The team knows, the coach knows. That’s the identity that we’ve had since I’ve been here. One of the reasons I love playing here is just that, at the end of the day, it’s just all about the team, and I’m always gonna fit in. I told them, ‘I’m here, whenever you need me, I’m always ready,’ but it’s all about team for us.”
In just his first full season with Indiana, Siakam is only one win away from his second NBA Finals appearance. Meanwhile, the Pacers have a chance to secure their first finals berth since 2000.
Siakam Compares Pacers’ 2025 Playoff Run to Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship Run
Following Tuesday’s victory, Siakam also likened Indiana’s electric Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd to Raptors fans’ rabid support during Toronto’s 2019 NBA title run.
“I think the first thing you mentioned is the fans. I remember in Toronto just how passionate they were about our team and the things that we were able to do, and it’s the same thing here,” Siakam said. “Pacer Nation, they go so crazy about us, and the support’s just been amazing.”
“Pacer nation, they go so crazy about us and the support’s just been amazing.” 🙌
Pascal Siakam spoke on the similarities between his time in Toronto and Indiana 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/WHerWSu5vJ
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 28, 2025
Thursday’s potentially series-deciding Game 5 clash takes place in New York. Nevertheless, Pacers fans will likely be enthusiastically supporting their squad from afar as it seeks to continue defying the odds.
