Indiana seemed headed for a late-game collapse — until it wasn’t.
Pascal Siakam exploded for a playoff career-high 39 points as the Pacers held off a furious late rally by the New York Knicks, 114-109, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday (PH time), May 24.
THAT'S TWO ????#PacersWin
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 24, 2025
The Pacers now own a commanding 2-0 series lead as the best-of-seven matchup shifts to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4, starting Monday (PH time), May 26.
Siakam came out firing, scoring the Pacers' first 11 points and racking up 32 through three quarters. He remained relentless down the stretch, helping the Pacers withstand New York’s late push.
Spin.
— NBA (@NBA) May 24, 2025
Pump fake.
Finish through contact.
Siakam up to 32 as IND seeks a 2-0 lead on TNT! pic.twitter.com/eGFDWpZ2TE
Indiana led, 110-100, with 2:45 left in regulation when the Knicks mounted a 9-0 run to cut the deficit to a single possession.
BRUNSON CUTS IT TO 3!@Pacers 110@nyknicks 107
— NBA (@NBA) May 24, 2025
1:05 to play in Game 2 on TNT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/kZK02S6lVf
But after Aaron Nesmith calmly sank two free throws to extend the lead to 112-109, Jalen Brunson’s game-tying three-point attempt clanged off the back rim.
Myles Turner sealed the win with two more from the stripe, as Indiana secured its sixth consecutive road victory in these playoffs.
PACERS TAKE 2 STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD ?? pic.twitter.com/B4DZvqj55p
— NBA (@NBA) May 24, 2025
Turner added 16 points, while Tyrese Haliburton notched a 14-point, 11-assist double-double.
Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell combined for 34 points off the bench.
Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points and 11 assists in another heartbreaking home loss. New York dropped to 3-5 at Madison Square Garden this postseason.
BRUNSON (26 PTS) TIES IT UP.
— NBA (@NBA) May 24, 2025
81-81 heading into the 4th quarter of Game 2 on TNT 🍿🚨 https://t.co/SC69CEvaXK
Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each added 20 points, while OG Anunoby chipped in 16.
Now trailing 0-2 for the first time this postseason, the Knicks face a must-win situation as the series heads to Indiana
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]
