Pascal Siakam’s steady voice keeps Pacers grounded as NBA Finals tighten
The Pacers let Game 4 slip away with a poor fourth quarter, but their veteran leader preaches perspective and poise entering a pivotal Game 5. They know what they need to do.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Since he was acquired from the Toronto Raptors 17 months ago, forward Pascal Siakam has been a leader on and off the court. He quickly exceeded the expectations of the front office and coaching staff one year ago when the Indiana Pacers returned to the postseason.
That was the goal — and they reached the conference finals.
Through the highs and the lows, Siakam has been more than just their leading scorer. He’s been their sounding board and the one to keep everyone level.
Three years into his NBA journey with the Toronto Raptors, he was part of a championship. But he didn’t consider himself a leader. He followed and gained confidence through others while contributing on the court as needed.
“We had so many veterans on our team that had been through way more than I could ever imagine as a player,” he recalled. “I was mostly just grateful I had those guys around and leaning into their confidence and the way they played to help me just play my game and be free.”
Now, in Year 9, he’s trying to do the same thing and pay it forward.