NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 23: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks during the second period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 23, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Dustin Satloff / Getty Images / AFP

NEW YORK, United States — The irrepressible Indiana Pacers opened up a 2-0 lead over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals with a 114-109 win at Madison Square Garden on Friday (Saturday, Manila time).

The series now moves to Indianapolis with the Pacers in control after Pascal Siakam led them with a playoff career-high 39 points.

Camaroonian Siakam was well-supported though with all the Indiana starters making double figures.

The Knicks showed some resiliance though fighting back in the fourth quarter from ten points down to make it a one point game before the Pacers closed out the contest.

The Pacers have now won six straight playoff road games since their defeat at Milwaukee in the first round.

The score was tied at 81 entering the fourth quarter before the Pacers surged ahead with a 29-19 run, leading 110-100.

The Knicks countered with a 9-0 burst, closing to within one point with 15 seconds left.

Aaron Nesmith made two free throws after being fouled on the inbound, and Jalen Brunson missed a game-tying three.

Myles Turner secured the rebound and sank two free throws to seal the victory. Turner was crucial down the stretch with 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting in the fourth.

Siakam had been relatively subdued with 17 points in Game One but he was on fire from the outset.

"I just came out aggressive at the end of the day, we're a team, you know, it doesn't matter who scores, that's what I love so much about this team," said Siakam.

"I got to go in early, the guys did a good job finding me, and again, another night is going to be somebody else, you know, that's what makes us special," he said.

The Western Conference Finals resume on Saturday when the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Oklahoma City Thunder trailing 2-0.