In the aftermath of the Indiana Pacers’ exhilarating victory against the Phoenix Suns, Pascal Siakam took to Instagram to express his delight after his fifth game with the team and their second consecutive win. Siakam’s post, per The Athletic’s James Boyd, captioned “I could get used to this 💛,” captured the joy and satisfaction that the former Toronto Raptors star is experiencing since joining the Pacers. As the team relishes its recent successes, the camaraderie and resilience displayed by the Pacers, particularly against the Suns, highlight Siakam’s seamless integration into the Indiana lineup.
Siakam’s journey with the Pacers has been a whirlwind, having been traded from the Toronto Raptors just five games ago. The forward has quickly become a pivotal figure in the Pacers’ quest for success, showcasing his scoring prowess and versatility on the court. Against the Suns, Siakam had a standout performance, recording a team-high 31 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
The victory over the Suns was a testament to the Pacers’ ability to overcome formidable challenges. The game saw Devin Booker of the Suns erupting with a franchise-record 62 points, putting the Pacers in a precarious situation in the closing moments. However, the Pacers, led by a stellar defensive effort from Aaron Nesmith, managed to outlast the Suns in a nail-biting 133-131 win.
Nesmith’s defensive tenacity against Booker, who shot 22 of 37 from the field and 6 of 12 from beyond the arc, played a crucial role in the Pacers’ victory. Despite Booker’s offensive brilliance, Nesmith, along with teammates like Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard, showcased resilience and determination. Toppin praised Nesmith, describing him as a “dog” who goes out and does all the “dirty work” necessary to secure a win.
Pascal Siakam, despite being a primary offensive weapon for the Pacers, took a backseat in crunch time. Coach Rick Carlisle entrusted the late-game responsibilities to Nembhard, who responded with a stellar performance, scoring 22 points and dishing out eight assists. The decision to lean on Nembhard showcased the depth and adaptability of the Pacers’ roster.
In the post-game moments, Siakam’s impact on the team’s culture and dynamics became evident. Toppin spoke about the team’s togetherness and resilience since Siakam’s arrival, stating, “We’re trying to accomplish something. We haven’t been to the playoffs in a while, and we feel like we can really fight to get far in the playoffs. (Friday) felt like a playoff game.”
The victory against the Suns not only snapped their seven-game winning streak but also prompted reflections on the exceptional scoring performances witnessed across the league. Carlisle marveled at Booker’s prowess, acknowledging him as one of the hottest players in the NBA on that particular Friday. Additionally, Carlisle’s former player, Luka Dončić, scored a staggering 73 points in a game, joining an elite group of players who have scored 70 or more points in a single game.
