The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks on Saturday to clinch a spot in the NBA Finals, and for his efforts in the series, Pacers forward Pascal Siakam won the Eastern Conference Finals MVP award.

Much of the basketball world was surprised to see Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam earn the Eastern Conference Finals MVP award over star point guard Tyrese

The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks in the NBA playoffs Game 6 on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Siakam's 39 points were a career-playoff high as the veteran forward has been a steady presence on the court and in the locker room.

The Pacers squandered a chance to close out the New York Knicks with Game 5's 111-94 loss at Madison Square Garden, sending the Eastern Conference finals back to Indiana. Pascal Siakam got into an awkward exchange with a reporter following the contest after admitting the Pacers didn't give the same effort that previously helped established a 3-1 lead in the series.