Pascal Siakam becoming the playoff powerhouse Pacers envisioned

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle had a specific request for Pascal Siakam, a typically reserved player not known for being overly vocal. Carlisle needed Siakam to step up and guide the younger players through the playoffs, according to a detailed report by Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star. Siakam, who joined the Pacers in a midseason trade from the Toronto Raptors, has risen to the challenge.

In a standout performance, Siakam exploded for 37 points on 16-of-23 shooting, along with 11 rebounds and six assists in a decisive 125-108 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 on Tuesday. This followed a similarly impressive 36-point effort in Game 1. With the series now tied at 1-1, it shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday.

During the regular season, the Pacers led the NBA by averaging 123.3 points per game. However, they struggled in Game 1, recording their lowest point total and field-goal percentage of the season, hitting just 8 of 38 from beyond the arc. In Game 2, however, the Pacers returned to form, resembling the team that had won four out of five regular-season games against the Bucks, each time scoring at least 122 points.

Siakam, a 2019 NBA champion with Toronto, was at the forefront, demonstrating his leadership and playmaking ability that Carlisle had envisioned when urging him to lead in the postseason.


Source Yahoo Sports : Pascal Siakam leads resurgent Pacers offense in 125-108 victory that evens series with Bucks
Source Hoopswire : Pascal Siakam Turning Into Playoff Force Pacers Hoped For When They Made Trade