As the Indiana Pacers prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals, Pascal Siakam enters his second championship series with memories of 2019 still intact—but with a veteran’s perspective.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Game 1, Siakam acknowledged comparisons between his current Pacers squad and the Raptors team that won the title six years ago.
“You’ve got to be a great team to get to the Finals,” Siakam said. “Two great teams—obviously different—but similarities like playing the right way, having defense, and a mix of veterans and young players.”
Now 31 years old, the forward has embraced a leadership role, drawing from past playoff experiences alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry.
“One thing I learned from those guys is no matter what, we always felt like we had a chance,” Siakam said. “That spirit stays with me, and I try to transfer that to my team.”
Indiana’s season began with uncertainty, opening 10-15 amid injuries and lineup changes, but Siakam pointed to internal steadiness as the key to their turnaround.
“We stuck to the plan,” he said. “When we got healthy, we started playing good basketball—playing together, better defense, the things you need to be successful.”
His journey from late-blooming prospect to Finals MVP candidate has made an impact on aspiring African players as well.
“Back then, if you were a big guy from Cameroon, you came in, ran, and dunked,” Siakam recalled. “Now it’s evolving. Guys my size do more. Hopefully, they look at my path and say, ‘He did it the hard way.’”
Siakam emphasized that success comes without shortcuts.
“It’s not going to be easy. You’ll probably have fewer opportunities because of where you’re from,” he said. “But if you work, no nonsense, head down—you can accomplish big things.”
The former All-Star also praised his on-court relationship with Tyrese Haliburton, describing their mindset alignment since his arrival in Indiana.
“We got on the phone, talked, and it was just about winning,” Siakam said. “He plays the right way. It’s been growing—same mindset.”
Under head coach Rick Carlisle, the Pacers have not lost consecutive games since March, a testament to accountability and quick adjustments.
“The film doesn’t lie,” Siakam said. “We look at what we can do better, and the guys turn the page.”
Oklahoma City enters the Finals as a top seed with the league’s best record since January 1, alongside Indiana.
But Siakam downplayed any external predictions.
“We don’t expect anyone to pick us,” he said. “It’s always been us against everyone. That doesn’t change.”
The 2025 NBA Finals begin Thursday night in Oklahoma City.
