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[Saba Sports News] Pascal Siakam is enduring a weekend to forget.
On Sunday, the NBA announced a $25,000 fine for the Indiana Pacers forward for “confronting and directing profane language towards game officials” following Saturday’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Siakam, a 2025 NBA All-Star, had a brutal ending to the game. With Indiana trailing by three in the final seconds, he inexplicably opted for a dunk instead of attempting the game-tying three-pointer (video here). While he finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, his costly mistake stole the spotlight.
Though the television broadcast appeared to miss it, Siakam was seen yelling at the referees after the final buzzer, an outburst that ultimately cost him $25,000.
The loss dropped Indiana to 35-27, still holding the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference and comfortably six games ahead of the No. 7 seed. However, Siakam’s frustration was evident—whether at himself for the miscue or at the officiating, it boiled over into a costly confrontation.
The NBA has been cracking down on player conduct this season, with Siakam’s fine adding to a growing list of penalties. Just two days earlier, another multi-time All-Star—and former teammate of Siakam—was also disciplined for criticizing the officiating.