With Indiana holding a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals, Pascal Siakam made it clear ahead of Game 2 that reflection can wait.
Speaking to reporters Saturday in Oklahoma City, the Pacers forward acknowledged his unlikely rise from Basketball Without Borders camper to Conference Finals MVP, but said he’s staying grounded.
“It’s pretty hard to reflect when you’re still in the journey,” Siakam said. “I’m super blessed… but I’m still chasing every single day.”
The 31-year-old was instrumental in Indiana’s Game 1 comeback, recording 19 points and 10 rebounds in the 111-110 win. But with the Thunder looking to even the series on Sunday night, Siakam said the focus remains on execution.
Asked about the Pacers’ slow start to the regular season, Siakam pointed to injuries and inconsistency, but credited the team’s resilience for the turnaround.
“We just continued to chip away, work hard, continue to improve,” he said. “When we got everyone healthy, it just started to get better for us.”
Indiana, which started 10-15, finished the regular season 50-32 and upset Cleveland and New York on its way to the Finals.
Siakam, who won a championship with Toronto in 2019, reflected on his growth since his first Finals appearance.
“Back then, everything felt normal. We always won,” he said. “Now, I have a little more appreciation for it—just because of the journey.”
The Cameroonian also described what it meant to bring the Larry O’Brien Trophy home to his country in 2019.
“For me, I mostly think about the inspiration it gives to all the other kids out there,” he said. “It was a super humbling moment.”
Asked if there was something different about this Pacers team, Siakam downplayed any talk of championship aura.
“We just focus on us. It’s about the moment. And for us, it’s Game 2,” he said.
As for the last possession of Game 1, Siakam said he cut to the basket to position for a rebound, knowing Tyrese Haliburton would take the final shot.
“It was the end of the clock. I just tried to get a rebound,” he said.
Tipoff for Game 2 is set for Sunday night at Paycom Center.
