Indiana forward Pascal Siakam delivered a blunt, nine-minute critique of the Pacers on Tuesday night, saying the team’s recent play “drives me crazy” following a 17-point loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
“We just didn’t play with any pace, any determination,” Siakam told reporters. “It looked out there like we were just jacking shots sometimes. We played with no force.”
The defeat marked Indiana’s sixth consecutive loss and dropped the club to 6-24, a sharp fall for a roster that came within one win of an NBA championship six months ago.
Siakam’s frustration echoed comments from guard T.J. McConnell, who questioned the Pacers’ effort after Saturday’s setback against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Injuries fuel roster churn
The slide began when Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles tear in Game 7 of last season’s Finals. Additional injuries have forced Indiana to use hardship contracts for Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Garrison Mathews, Gabe McGlothan and James Wiseman to keep a full lineup available.
Outlook beyond this season
Haliburton is expected to be ready for the 2025 campaign, most of last year’s playoff core remains under contract, and the Pacers are positioned for a high draft selection. Those facts, however, have done little to lessen day-to-day frustration.
“I really care about it and I hate losing,” Siakam said. “It’s not fun. Everyone has to come in wanting to make a change.”
Source: Hoops Wire
