Pacers' Siakam Clashes with Controversial Columnist Doyel After Knicks Loss

Sarah Johnson
May 31, 2025
Brief
Pascal Siakam clashes with columnist Gregg Doyel after Pacers' Game 5 loss to Knicks, echoing Doyel's past controversy with Caitlin Clark.
In a heated post-game press conference following the Indiana Pacers' 111-94 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, Pacers star Pascal Siakam found himself in an awkward verbal sparring match with Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel. The Knicks, fighting to keep their season alive, outhustled Indiana, leaving the Pacers one win away from the NBA Finals despite their 3-2 series lead.
Siakam, ever the team player, praised the Knicks' effort, stating, "They played harder than us. We fought, but they just brought more intensity." Yet, Doyel pressed him, questioning how it was "possible" the Knicks outperformed Indiana. A visibly frustrated Siakam shot back, "What’s your point? That’s basketball, it happens." The exchange escalated until Siakam, with a mix of bemusement and irritation, asked, "You good, bro?" before turning to the Pacers’ media team to inquire, "Who is this guy?"
This isn’t Doyel’s first rodeo in the controversy corral. Last year, he was sidelined for two weeks and pulled from covering the Indiana Fever after a cringe-worthy exchange with Caitlin Clark at her introductory press conference. Doyel’s heart-hand gesture and suggestive comments, including asking Clark to "start doing it to me," sparked backlash, raising questions about his approach in the press room.
The Pacers, a team no one expected to be in this position, now face a pivotal Game 6. Siakam emphasized their resilience, saying, "Our strength is staying together, no matter what." But with Doyel’s persistent probing, one wonders if the real game is happening off the court.
Topics
Editor's Comments
Gregg Doyel’s press room antics are like a bad jump shot—off-target and begging for a foul. Siakam’s 'You good, bro?' was the slam dunk of shade, but seriously, can we keep the focus on the court? Maybe Doyel’s next column should be titled, 'How to Press All the Wrong Buttons.'
Like this article? Share it with your friends!
If you find this article interesting, feel free to share it with your friends!
Thank you for your support! Sharing is the greatest encouragement for us.