Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

NBA Playoffs Knicks vs Pacers Game 2: Pascal Siakam Goes off in the Big Apple as Pacers Leave MSG with 2-0 Lead

Siakam scored a playoff career-high 39 points and six Indiana players reached in double figures.

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Indiana Pacers surprised all the odds to take a commanding 2-0 lead with a 114-109 victory over New York Knicks in Game 2. Pascal Siakam’s career playoff-high overshadowed Jalen Brunson’s 36-point outburst and Indiana secured second successive victory at Madison Square Garden. It was sixth straight road playoff win for the Pacers which is a new record for them.

It was Tyrese Haliburton in Game 1 and Pascal Siakam in Game 2 for the Pacers in scripting a 2-0 lead in the series. Siakam scored a playoff career-high 39 points and six Indiana players reached in double figures. Turner added 16 points and Haliburton chipped in 14, including 11 assists and 8 rebounds. Nesmith and Nembhard finished with 12 points apiece.

Also Read: “We Are Really Excited About Him” – Denver Nuggets Name David Adelman Full-Time Head Coach

THAT'S TWO ✔️✔️#PacersWin pic.twitter.com/24scGcp2je
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 24, 2025

Indiana Tightens Grip in Fourth Period After a Fightback from Knicks Through Brunson and Hart

Following an overtime thriller in Game 1, it was going towards a classic finish at MSG but Indiana denied any drama in the fourth quarter to take a charge in the game. The Knicks had a 3-point lead at halftime but Pacers went on a 13-5 run in the third quarter to regain a lead. After three quarters, both teams were tied at 81 points and Siakam reached 32 points.

The Pacers, who have given us solid fourth quarter rallies in the playoffs, sparked an 8-0 run to open the fourth quarter and didn’t drop their lead through out the game. The Knicks fought back in the final minutes with eight straight points and Pacers missed four shots during the process.

Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart helped the Knicks to reduce the deficit to three points but missed shots in the final seconds. Aaron Nesmith’s crucial rebound and free throws denied a series-tying possibility for New York. Turner converted free throws with 4 seconds left to secure Indiana 114-109 win in Game 2.

PACERS TAKE 2 STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD ‼️ pic.twitter.com/B4DZvqj55p
— NBA (@NBA) May 24, 2025

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points and 11 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each scored 20 points and 7 rebounds. OG Anunoby added 16 points and the Knicks went 11-for-32 from 3-point range. The Pacers shot 51.8% from the field and 43.3% from 3-point line. Indiana coach, Rick Carlisle also moved into 10th on the all-time playoff coaching wins list.

Also Read: NBA Viewership Skyrockets During Pacers vs. Knicks Classic Game 1, Creates New Eastern Conference Finals Record

Both teams now head to Indianapolis for crucial home leg of Indiana Pacers, who would eye to wrap up the series and reach the NBA Finals. The Knicks have to find a win in Game 3 to avoid an elimination game in Game 4. Overcoming a 1-3 deficit in the conference finals would be a challenging task.

Final Score:

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Pacers	24	25	32	33	114
Knicks	26	26	29	28	109

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Indiana Pacers

New York Knicks

Pascal Siakam

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.