Pacers Take 2-0 ECF Lead with Siakam’s Playoff Career-High 39

Pascal Siakam scored a playoff career-high 39 points to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 114-109 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, giving the Pacers a 2-0 series lead. Siakam's performance included a strong start with 11 points early and key plays in the fourth quarter that helped the Pacers maintain their lead despite a late Knicks rally. The Pacers excelled in transition with 14 fast-break points, outpacing the Knicks and capitalizing on defensive opportunities. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 14 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Myles Turner added 16 points to support the effort. The Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson, who scored 36 points and dished out 11 assists, but the team struggled to overcome a slow start to the fourth quarter and now face a critical must-win situation as the series moves to Indiana. This matchup, the 50th playoff meeting between the rivals, has been marked by tough defense reminiscent of the 1990s, with the Pacers holding a historical lead in the series.