Pascal Siakam is hoping to win the NBA Championship for a second time, after previously triumphing with the Toronto Raptors.
Back in 2019, simply reaching the NBA Finals was a success for the Toronto Raptors. And then they went and defeated the favorites, ending the Golden State Warriors’ dreams of a three-peat, which even led to Bob Myers wanting to quit as GM.
Pascal Siakam was one of the heroes of the Toronto Raptors’ title-winning team, and he remained there until being traded in early 2024.
Now in his first full season with the Indiana Pacers, Siakam is back in the NBA Finals, where his team are currently 2-2 in the series with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Pascal Siakam’s experience in the Finals has come as a benefit to him and his Pacers teammates so far.
Teammate Obi Toppin praised the impact Siakam is having behind the scenes as the series goes along, in addition to his presence on the court.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Game 5, Siakam talked about the difference he feels in 2025 in comparison to his first Finals in 2019.
Siakam said: “I wasn’t a leader then. On the floor, I was one of the guys that would go and get things to happen for us. But off the court, I was year three.
“We had so many veterans on our team that had been through way more than I could ever imagine as a player. 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.
“I think this time around, just having been one of the only guys that has been there or one of the few guys that has been there, and I’m year nine or ten or whatever, it’s like I have way more to say and I can impact not only by saying things but also on the floor.”
Just having years under my belt and also the experience, I’m able to say what I think.”
While Pascal Siakam is happy to be a leader, he does not want to dictate to the rest of the team or be an overbearing presence. He says he wants the Pacers’ players to be autonomous and learn in their own way.
He added: “At the same time, I always say everyone is going to have to get through it on their own.
“I can tell you whatever, but you have to experience it yourself. I think the most [important] thing is just be yourself and do the things that got us here in the first place, and we can’t change it now.”
The Pacers had led the series 2-1 and were leading Game 4, before OKC hauled them in with an impressive comeback to tie it up.
Now OKC have regained the initiative, hosting two of the potentially three remaining games, meaning Indiana must win on the road to win the title.
