Tensions were high after Indiana’s Game 5 defeat as Siakam got into a strange exchange with the reporter at a post-match press conference.
The Indiana Pacers failed to close the New York Knicks in Game 5. They were beaten comfortably on Thursday night and ended up losing on a 111-94 scoreline.
Tyrese Halliburton had a very poor performance, but he was not alone. Pascal Siakam was the best scorer among the starters with just 15 points.
Siakam cried out the rally’s screams at his Pacers teammate after the game. But it wasn’t the only notable moment from his post-game press conference.
The Knicks made Indiana better on Thursday night, and we won’t argue that. And while answering questions after the game, Spicy P suggested they would “play harder.”
Siakam said in response to reporters’ questions about the efforts from the team being a problem. The answer led to a deadlock between the two, which became very troublesome.
“What are you talking about? They played harder than we did,” Siakam told reporters. “That’s fine. We played hard, they played hard. What’s your point? I don’t understand that? Are you good?”
“You’re looking for something, I know, but damn it,” added Siakam. “Would you tell me? Go ahead. Who is this guy? Who is this guy?
The exchange was not particularly crazy by NBA standards, but for Siakam it has no personality. The 31-year-old is usually very composed of his answers. Social media fans were talking a lot about it.
“Wow, he’s rattling. He doesn’t look good,” the fan said. “His hands were swinging at the free throw line all night. He feels pressure,” another wrote.
“He’s not rattles. That reporter is Jacka**, he hates everyone and only causes problems wherever he goes,” the third fan responded.
“Siakam is here. That’s a stupid question. Feed the content. Pacer played harder in Game 4 and the Knicks played harder in Game 5. It’s basketball, that happens.
“Greg Doyel, of course, social media fans said a lot about it,” the fifth fan added.
Either way, the only thing Siakam and the Pacers need to focus on is closing the series in Game 6.