OG Anunoby vs Pascal Siakam: an African duel at the top of the NBA

Pascal Siakam and Indiana chasing immortality

An NBA champion in 2019 with Toronto, Pascal Siakam left the franchise for a change of scene in December 2023. And it's fair to say the move paid off quickly, as the Cameroonian formed a formidable partnership with Tyrese Haliburton to lead the Pacers to the Eastern Conference finals in 2023-2024. Despite losing to Boston, the eventual champions, the bigger picture was elsewhere: Indiana were back on the American basketball map, as it was the first time since 2000 that the Pacers had reached a conference final (and the 2nd time in their history).

A feat repeated this season. And in this 3rd conference final in their history, Indiana want to finally take the next step and reach the NBA Finals to win a first title at last. To do that, Pascal Siakam will be heavily relied upon. The Cameroonian, a key cog in the team, is averaging 18.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists over his last 10 games. That is peak form at the best moment of the season.

OG Anunoby and the Knicks looking to "justify" the fans' fervour

New York are one of the NBA's iconic teams, and are popular with many stars, including film-maker Spike Lee and rapper Youssoupha. Yet the Knicks have won just two NBA titles: 1970 and 1973. What's more, their last Finals appearance was back in ...1999. At the time, OG Anunoby was only two years old.

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Today, the Nigerian is a pillar of New York's side, both defensively and offensively. The proof: he is averaging 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals over his last 10 games. In the series win over Boston in the semi-finals (4-1), he scored 29 points in Game 1 and 23 in Game 5. That gives them hope of getting back to the NBA Finals, but above all of writing themselves into the history of Madison Square Garden's residents.