The Eastern Conference Finals have concluded with a definitive victory for the Indiana Pacers, who have clinched their spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since the year 2000. At the heart of their success stands Pascal Siakam, whose stellar performance earned him the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals MVP award. His contributions were so impactful that even NBA legend magic johnson couldn't help but voice his admiration, though his commentary didn't stop there, extending to a blunt assessment of the defeated New York Knicks.
Siakam's MVP Moment and Pacers' Triumph
Pascal Siakam's journey to the Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy was marked by consistent excellence and leadership throughout the series against the New York Knicks. In the pivotal Game 6, which sealed the series for the Pacers, Siakam delivered a commanding performance, scoring 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the field. Across the entire six-game series, he maintained impressive averages of 23.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, showcasing his all-around impact. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle lauded Siakam, alongside Tyrese Haliburton, for their pivotal leadership in steering the team to this historic achievement. The Pacers' dominant win in Game 6 was a testament to their collective effort, but Siakam's individual brilliance undoubtedly set him apart, earning him the coveted MVP hardware. This accomplishment resonated widely, with even a luminary like magic johnson taking to social media to express his heartfelt praise.
Magic Johnson's Blunt Assessment of the Knicks
While celebrating Siakam's triumph, magic johnson also offered a candid critique of the New York Knicks' season-ending loss. The legendary Lakers guard didn't mince words, directly attributing the Knicks' defeat in Game 6 to the underperformance of two of their key players, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Johnson articulated that the primary reason the Knicks fell short was the inability of their "superstars" to consistently play at an elite level and effectively control the game's pace.
In the decisive Game 6, Jalen Brunson contributed 19 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points. However, magic johnson pointed out that despite these scoring numbers, their defensive efforts were lacking, and they struggled to dictate the flow of the game, ultimately costing their team. Johnson's analysis highlights the high expectations placed on star players in crucial playoff moments and suggests that a lack of consistent two-way play contributed significantly to the Knicks' elimination. The final outcome of the series not only propelled the Pacers into the Finals but also sparked a wider conversation about critical performances, as highlighted by the insightful comments from none other than magic johnson himself.
