BREAKING: Thrilling Turnaround, Indiana Pacer Star Pascal Siakam Needed Less Than a Minute of The Second Half to Restore Parity Against Brooklyn Net. Siakam Deflected Effort Finds it Way Past, This Make’s Pacer well on Top at Gainbridge fieldhouse…

In a heart-pounding matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam wasted no time in the second half, needing less than a minute to erase a halftime deficit and restore parity against the Brooklyn Nets. What followed was a deflected effort that found its way past the Nets’ defense, propelling the Pacers to a commanding lead and ultimately securing a hard-fought victory.

The game, part of the NBA’s 2025-26 regular season slate, saw the Pacers entering as favorites but trailing 52-48 at the break. The Nets, led by Cam Thomas’ sharpshooting and Nic Claxton’s rim protection, had built their edge through a gritty first half, capitalizing on Indiana’s turnover issues and inconsistent three-point shooting. But Siakam, the two-time All-Star acquired by the Pacers in a blockbuster trade back in 2024, flipped the script almost immediately after the intermission.

Just 42 seconds into the third quarter, Siakam intercepted a lazy inbound pass from Brooklyn’s Dennis Schröder, racing down the court for a thunderous dunk that tied the score at 52-52. The crowd erupted as the Cameroonian star’s athleticism shone through, reminding fans why he’s been averaging over 25 points per game this season. Moments later, Siakam showcased his defensive prowess again: contesting a mid-range jumper from Thomas, his outstretched hand deflected the ball skyward. In a stroke of luck – or perhaps skill – the deflection arced perfectly toward the hoop, rattling in for an improbable three-pointer after banking off the backboard.

“That deflection? Pure hustle,” Siakam said post-game with a grin. “I was just trying to get a stop, and sometimes the basketball gods reward you. It felt good to get the team going right out of the gate in the second half.”

The play not only gave the Pacers their first lead since the opening quarter but ignited a 12-2 run that put Indiana firmly in control. By the end of the third, the Pacers had extended their advantage to 78-65, thanks in part to Myles Turner’s interior dominance and Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking. Haliburton, sidelined briefly in the first half with a minor ankle tweak, returned to dish out 8 assists in the period alone.

For the Nets, the second-half collapse was a familiar frustration in what has been a rebuilding season. Thomas led all scorers with 28 points, but Brooklyn’s bench struggled, shooting just 32% from the field after halftime. Coach Jordi Fernandez called a timeout immediately after Siakam’s deflection, but the momentum had shifted irreparably.

“We had them on the ropes early, but Siakam is a game-changer,” Fernandez admitted. “One play like that can swing everything, and tonight it did.”

Siakam finished the night with a game-high 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals, continuing his hot start to the season where he’s been the Pacers’ undisputed leader amid injuries to key rotation players. Turner added 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Haliburton contributed 15 points and 12 assists. On the Nets’ side, Claxton notched a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Indiana’s defensive intensity.

The win improves the Pacers’ record to 5-3, keeping them in the hunt for the Eastern Conference’s top spots. Brooklyn falls to 2-6, still searching for consistency as they integrate young talent like Cam Johnson and recent draft picks.

As the Pacers look ahead to a road trip starting with the Milwaukee Bucks, Siakam’s heroics serve as a reminder of his value. Acquired from the Toronto Raptors in January 2024, he’s not just a scorer but a catalyst for comebacks. Tonight’s performance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse – where the Pacers boast one of the league’s best home records – underscores why Indiana traded for him: to turn close games into statement wins.

Fans can catch highlights of Siakam’s second-half magic on NBA League Pass, with the full replay available shortly. For the Pacers, this victory isn’t just about the scoreboard; it’s about building parity in a competitive East, one deflection at a time.