Pascal Siakam gets heartwarming praise from Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson after winning Eastern Conference Finals MVP
Pascal Siakam and Magic Johnson. Image via: Stacy Revere/ Getty Images | Lisa Blumenfeld/ Getty Images
Pascal Siakam had an astonishing night for the recognition that followed his standout performance. After helping the Indiana Pacers clinch a dominant 125-108 Game 6 win over the New York Knicks and secure a place in the NBA Finals, Siakam was named the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals MVP.
The moment became even more special when NBA legend Magic Johnson took to social media to personally praise the veteran forward's effort and impact.
Magic Johnson praised Pascal Siakam after MVP performance
Magic Johnson, a five-time NBA champion and longtime basketball ambassador, didn't hold back in his admiration. 'Congratulations to Pascal Siakam for being named the Larry Bird Eastern Conference Finals MVP!' he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), shortly after the Pacers' Game 6 win. He also gave credit to the organization, adding, 'Congratulations to Indiana Pacers Owner Herb Simon, Head Coach Rick Carlisle, Pacers superstars Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam and the rest of the team for advancing to the NBA Finals!'
Siakam absolutely earned the praise.
He was the driving force behind Indiana's success throughout the series. In the closeout game, he led all scorers with 31 points, going 10-of-18 from the field, 3-of-5 from deep, and 8-of-11 from the line. He also contributed five rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and a steal. This bounce-back effort came after a quiet Game 5, where he scored only 15 points.
'Tonight, after a bad Game 5, we wanted to bounce back,' Siakam said during the TNT postgame show.
'I have, like, 100% belief in my teammates. Whenever we're down, we always find a way. And we did that tonight.'
Across the six-game series, Siakam averaged 23.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. His standout Game 2 performance saw him drop a season-best 39 points, putting his full scoring package on display. According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Siakam has led the Pacers in total field goals made during every playoff series he's played with them and was the top scorer in five of those six matchups.
Post-game, coach Rick Carlisle said, 'Our two stars, Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, put our team on their backs and just decided that we were not going to lose this game today.'
Also Read:
'Just unbelievable' – Pascal Siakam gives candid reaction after winning 2025 Eastern Conference Finals MVP as Indiana Pacers punch ticket to the NBA Finals
Now headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000, Indiana is eyeing the championship. With Magic Johnson's public support and the Larry Bird Trophy in hand, Siakam's impact is now being felt far beyond just Indiana, with high expectations surrounding the star.
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