What happened when Charles Barkley made an unpleasant comment on Indiana Pacers' Pascal Siakam?

Time of India

2 days ago

What happened when Charles Barkley made an unpleasant comment on Indiana Pacers' Pascal Siakam? (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers crushed the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals series. After the game, Charles Barkley and the team invited Tyrese Haliburton for the post-game review.
During the discussion, Barkley pinpointed Pascal Siakam's passive-aggressive play style, which did not sit well with Tyrese Haliburton. He cooked up Barkley by taking him to what actually transpired in the court and appreciated the job done by Siakam in setting the lead for the team.
Tyrese Haliburton shielded Pascal Siakam against Charles Barkley's disagreeable comment
The role of Indiana Pacers' Pascal Siakam was a part of the discussion during Game 4 media availability streamed on NBA TV. Charles Barkley asked Tyrese Haliburton about Pascal Siakam, which did not please Haliburton. Barkley bluntly asked:
'So what is the deal with Siakum, why he go from passive to aggressive from game to game, cuz you know he was fantastic tonight.. Uh, you got going later.. and and early obviously, but why is he so up and down as far as just being aggressive?'
Tyrese Haliburton and Charles Barkley talk Pacers winning Game 3 vs Thunder
Haliburton was seemingly irked by the question, and he answered with a dignified stance. Taking Pascal's side, he said:
'You know, I don't think that's a fair assessment, to be honest with you.
I think the way that they guard, uh, he operates so well in the mid-post. Uh, but you got to understand when he's catching in the mid post, they're talking about rotating the guy fully from the baseline. Uh, they just got hands and they're they're swarming the ball. Uh, so we're just trying to make Reeds play the right way.'
He further elaborated, 'Thought he did a great job operating today It's hard when you catch at the nail where he really likes to operate The way they guard is just boxes and elbows So we got him do a much better job of giving him the correct spacing Um and just figuring it out Um, but I think from game to game you know just taking where the defense gives you I thought he did a great job setting the tone and we just followed his lead.
'
What Pascal Siakam means to Indiana Pacers
Pascal Siakam brings to the team much-needed stability as well as pace. The 6'8' power forward is a versatile and dependable player. He excels in scoring, rebounding, playmaking, as well as defense, allowing the team to have an edge during the crucial moments.
Siakam averaged 20.6PPG in the 2025 playoffs and is honored as the Eastern Conference Finals MVP.
Pascal Siakam 21 Points, 6 Rebs, 4 Assists vs Thunder I 2025 NBA Finals Game 3
Pascal is a cohesive factor that binds the Indiana Pacers together and helps them build an impenetrable defense against opponents.
By bringing in the veteran experience, Pascal boosts the team's courage and helps them build strategies that go beyond the books.
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Pascal's performances have made him the cornerstone of the team. They have been instrumental in the team's recent ascent. The Indiana Pacers are leading the finals series at the moment by 2-1 and seem more determined to continue their dominating charade in the coming games as well.