Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle credited his team’s focus and poise after a 114-109 Game 2 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Friday night, pushing the Pacers to a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
“It was difficult, physical,” Carlisle said postgame. “I thought our guys held their composure very well through some runs, a lot of crowd noise, and a lot of commotion. They kept their poise.”
Pascal Siakam was the difference, scoring 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting and anchoring the Pacers in key stretches.
“Special game,” Carlisle said. “Early in the first half, he was the guy that got us going and got us through some difficult stretches.”
The coach praised Siakam’s all-around performance, noting his ability to attack the rim, hit mid-range shots, and convert from deep in a physical setting.
“It was a quiet 39 points,” Carlisle added. “It really was.”
Carlisle pointed to Siakam’s veteran experience and discipline in playoff settings, citing his ability to adapt through challenging defensive matchups throughout the postseason.
“He never forces it,” he said. “When we get in a bind late clock, he can get a shot up on the rim, and a lot of times it goes in.”
Asked about the shift to Indiana for Game 3, Carlisle avoided assuming any advantage.
“There are a lot of traps here,” he said. “You cannot assume going home is going to be easier. It never is.”
TJ McConnell’s play in the third quarter stood out to Carlisle, who said the guard’s aggressive approach has become a postseason hallmark.
“You have to play with a defiance,” he said. “It’s kind of defined TJ’s 10-year career in the NBA.”
Carlisle also highlighted the bench contributions, mentioning Obi Toppin’s steady energy, Tony Bradley’s rebounding presence, and Ben Sheppard’s timely three-pointers.
“When you play against teams that are very strong at the point of attack, you need runners and movers,” Carlisle said of Sheppard’s role.
He commended the group effort, crediting the entire bench for maintaining intensity throughout the second half.
With the series shifting to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana will look to extend its six-game road win streak into home success.
“Each game as you ascend in a playoff series becomes harder,” Carlisle said. “We’re going to have to keep concentrating on our process.”
Game 3 tips off Sunday night in Indianapolis.
