The New York Knicks fell right into a deep, shocking 2-0 gap in opposition to the Indiana Pacers on Friday night time, and it was partly because of the onerous work and ability of Pascal Siakam.
Siakam had a career-high night time and helped his staff rating an enormous win.
He had plenty of motivation, together with his need to play effectively in opposition to his former teammate.
Chatting with ESPN after the sport, Siakam talked about battling OG Anunoby, who used to play with him throughout their time along with the Toronto Raptors.
“It’s wonderful that we’re each ready the place we get to compete at this degree coming from Toronto,” Siakam stated of Anunoby. “It simply offers you further motivation. You simply select to compete at the next degree. I understand how onerous a competitor he’s.”
Anunoby was in control of shutting Siakam down for many of the night time, however he didn’t have plenty of success.
Siakam was 4-of-6 from the ground when guarded by Anunoby.
Just some nights earlier than in Recreation 1, he was 0-of-3 when Anunoby was on prime of him.
Siakam and Anunoby loved their time with the Raptors, particularly after they gained a championship in 2019.
Since then, their careers have gone in numerous and thrilling instructions.
They’ve each moved to groups which were slowly constructing one thing particular, and now they’re combating within the Jap Convention Finals whereas the Raptors are removed from competing at that degree.
However solely one in every of these former teammates can go all the best way to the NBA Finals, and, proper now, Siakam appears to have the benefit.
He loves taking part in in opposition to his former teammate, however he loves beating him much more.
NEXT: Rick Carlisle Raves About Pascal Siakam’s Spectacular Efficiency On Friday
