Lead 2-0, playoffs exploded, Pacers made a profit

In the NBA Eastern Conference Finals G2, the Indiana Pacers beat the New York Knicks 114-109 away, leading 2-0 in the series.

The biggest highlight of this game is undoubtedly the outbreak of Pascal Siakam. He made 15 of 23 shots, 3 of 5 three-pointers, scored 39 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, setting a record high in the Pacers' single-game score in the playoffs.

Since the first quarter, Siakam has shown a dominant performance: 6 of 9 shots in the first quarter scored 16 points, 32 points, and 39 points have been scored at the end of the three quarters. 39 points have set a record high in the playoffs

plus and negative value +16 The second highest in the team

"Siakam is unstoppable tonight, "Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised after the game," He played an All-Star performance, which is why we traded him. "

It is worth mentioning that this is the third time Siakam has scored 35+ in the playoffs since joining the Pacers, second only to Reggie Miller (11 times) and Paul George (4 times). In January last year, the Pacers traded Bruce Brown, Walla and three first-round picks (two of them in 2024) for Siakam of contract year. The deal was questioned at the time, but now it seems absolutely worth it.

This season, Siakam averaged 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in the regular season, with a shooting percentage of 51.9%/38.9%/73.4% in three events and a real shooting percentage of 59.9%. In the sluggish situation of Halliburton, Siakam held half of the Pacers' sky. After entering the playoffs, Siakam averaged 20.3 points, 6 rebounds, 3.3 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 55.1%, and a three-point shooting percentage of 43.9%

"Siakam is the most important reason why the Pacers made the playoffs this season," ESPN analyst Mark Jones commented, "His stability made up for the downturn at the beginning of the season. "

With a 2-0 lead, the Pacers are only two games away from their first Finals since 2000. Siakam's continued explosion gave the team a stable second scoring point, while the Knicks were in desperate situations.

"We will not be satisfied with 2-0," Siakam said after the game. "We know the Knicks will rebound away and we must stay focused. "

This once questioned deal is now helping the Pacers move towards the finals. Siakam proved with his 39-point performance that he is fully worthy of a four-year, 190 million contract extension, and the Pacers' investment is getting a great return.