It’s often said it takes a complete team to win a championship, and the Indiana Pacers are in the midst of providing the blueprint as they are now two wins away from the NBA Finals. The Pacers grabbed a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals with a 114-109 win on Friday night. 

After stealing Game 1 in overtime off a historic comeback, the Pacers were able to control the pace throughout Game 2. And after Indiana’s top stars led the way on Wednesday, they relied on a role player with championship experience to explode for a playoff career-best two nights later.

Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 31 and hit the game-tying three at the end of regulation and then did Pacer legend Reggie Miller’s signature choke sign in the series opener, struggled offensively most of Game 2. He connected on only 5-of-16 shots from the field, scoring just 14 points in 35 minutes, granted he did register a double-double by adding 11 boards. But fortunately for Haliburton, Indiana won anyway.  

Aaron Nesmith followed his monster 30-point performance that included sinking eight three-pointers with only 12 points and just two threes. But Nesmith’s dip in production also didn’t end up being an issue. 

The Pacers put their true depth on display by switching up who were the stars of the day from one game to another. 

Pascal Siakam, already an NBA champion from his time with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, upped his production from 17 to 39 points. 

And for those players who are seemingly consistent and steady every night, Myles Turner had 16 after scoring 14 and T.J. McConnell recorded 10 points on the nose again. 

Point is, unlike the Knicks, a team that requires its star in Jalen Brunson to be at his best — he has 79 points through two games — the Pacers can win in multiple ways and with multiple different players as their game MVP. 

The Pacers will now travel home to the friendly confines of Gainbridge Fieldhouse as they look to secure a stronghold on the series when it resumes on Sunday. Tip for Game 3 is set for 8 p.m. ET from Indiana. 

Who will be the Pacers’ next hero? 

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market