Following a blockbuster midseason trade that brought him to Indiana, Pascal Siakam has quickly become a pivotal player for the Pacers, leading them to a crucial Game 2 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Siakam’s impressive performance in Game 2 included 37 points on 16-for-23 shooting, along with 11 rebounds and 6 assists. His consistent dominance, with back-to-back games of 35+ points and 10+ rebounds, places him in elite company, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor as the only players to achieve such a feat in the playoffs.
Siakam’s impact has been particularly notable in the absence of Pacers’ All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has struggled to score in the series. Siakam has stepped up admirably, carrying Indiana’s offense with impressive scoring outputs of 36 and 37 points. Despite Haliburton’s struggles, he contributed with 12 assists, including a remarkable lob to Siakam from a distance of approximately 35 feet.
In Game 2, the Pacers’ outside shooting improved significantly, with seven different players making three-pointers, resulting in a 16-for-36 shooting performance from deep. This improvement played a crucial role in their victory, contrasting sharply with their struggles in Game 1, where they failed to make a three-pointer for the first 21 minutes.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard failed to maintain his first-half momentum, scoring only eight points in the second half after a 26-point first half. Myles Turner also contributed significantly for the Pacers, scoring 14 points in the second half, including three three-pointers.
The Pacers’ triumph gives them a 4-2 record against the Bucks this season. As the series moves forward, the Bucks will be looking to find ways to slow down Siakam’s dominance, especially if Haliburton rediscovers his scoring touch. With Siakam leading the charge, the Pacers will be confident in their ability to challenge the Bucks for the series victory.
