Some press conferences are more awkward than others.
After Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Indianapolis star columnist Gregg Doyel had an uncomfortable interaction with Pacers’ forward Pascal Siakam.
The interaction was prompted by Siakam saying the Knicks “played harder” in their 111-94 victory at Madison Square Garden that forced a Game 6 Saturday night in Indianapolis.
Here’s a transcript via Awful Announcing:
Doyel: “How is that possible?”
Siakam: “What do you mean?”
Doyel: “How is it possible to not play hard enough in Game 5?”
Siakam: “What are you talking about? They played harder than us. It’s OK. We played hard. They played harder. What’s your point? I don’t get it.”
Doyel: “My point is you’re saying you guys got outfought…”
Siakam: “That happens in a game, though. That’s basketball.”
Doyel: “In Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs?”
Siakam: “You good? You good, bro? You’re looking for something I know, but damn. No, no, but I’m telling you, though. I told you. What else you want me to tell you?”
Doyel: “I want you to tell me how. That’s all I’m asking.”
Doyel, you may recall, was suspended by his paper for two weeks last year after an awkward interaction with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark — and another with then-Fever coach Christie Sides.
In fairness to Doyel, Siakam could have answered the question differently.
For example, when the Knicks were blown out by the Celtics in Game 3 after leading 2-0, New York star Jalen Brunson took responsibility and said his team was “subconsciously satisifed being up 2-0.”
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Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter and Basketball Insider for NJ Advance Media. You may follow him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and check out his Website at ZAGSBLOG.com.