Pacers Star Pascal Siakam Urges Fans and Teammates to Stay Focused After Comeback Win
The Indiana Pacers started the NBA Finals with a thrilling 105-103 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1, held Thursday night, was a dramatic contest that saw the Pacers erase a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit. Tyrese Haliburton sealed the win with a buzzer-beater. But for veteran forward Pascal Siakam, the celebration was brief — because the job is far from over.
Speaking during the post-game press conference, Siakam shared a clear and direct message for both his teammates and the Indiana fans. While he was proud of the team’s resilience and the result, he stressed the importance of cleaning up their mistakes and staying locked in for Game 2.
“We’ve got to take care of the ball,” Siakam said. “In the second half, we did better. We stopped giving it away, stayed focused, and just kept going. That’s our mindset — to keep playing no matter what.”
The stats support his point. Indiana committed 24 turnovers during the game, 19 of which came in the first half. This sloppy start nearly cost them the game. However, they regrouped in the third and fourth quarters, making smarter plays and limiting their errors to just five turnovers in the second half. This discipline allowed them to control the pace and mount their comeback.
Siakam, who has championship experience from his time with Toronto, is clearly aware of what it takes to win on the biggest stage. His warning to the team is rooted in that experience. “We didn’t play at the level we know we can,” he said. “We settled in later, but we still have so much to improve if we want to take this series.”
As the Pacers prepare for Game 2 at the Paycom Center on Sunday, Siakam’s leadership will be key. He’s not only pushing his teammates to do better but is also calling on fans to bring their full energy throughout the series.
Siakam’s Message to Indiana Fans: Keep the Energy Coming
While Thunder fans brought intense energy to their home arena, Indiana supporters made their presence felt too — loud and proud in enemy territory. Their unwavering support didn’t go unnoticed by Siakam.
“You could hear the Pacers fans. That was huge,” he said. “Shout out to everyone who came and backed us in such a tough place. We’re going to need you — here and when we get back home.”
Siakam’s appreciation was clear, but so was his request. He wants the crowd to continue showing up and pushing the team forward, especially during tough moments. That extra energy, he believes, can be the difference in a tight series like this one.
With Game 2 around the corner, the Pacers must now focus on staying sharp from the start. Game 1 was a reminder of how fast things can slip away when turnovers pile up. The Thunder are a talented, young team — and unlikely to let another lead disappear so easily.
Sunday’s rematch promises to be a crucial moment in the Finals. Will the Pacers ride the momentum and follow their leader’s advice? Or will Oklahoma City adjust and punish Indiana’s early mistakes?
Siakam has spoken. Now, it’s up to the Pacers — and their fans — to rise to the moment once again.
