Support: In the first game, ex-Raptors forwards Pascal Siakam supported each other defensively, yielding varied outcomes.

Former Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam outperformed OG Anunoby, although the New York Knicks secured a victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 on Monday night.

Although the New York Knicks clinched Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, the matchup between Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby leaned in favor of the former Toronto Raptors all-star.

Siakam’s performance wasn’t particularly explosive, yet the 30-year-old forward faced little difficulty against the former All-Defense forward. According to NBA Stats, Siakam encountered Anunoby for 10 minutes and 17 seconds in Game 1. During this time, he made five of his nine shot attempts defended by Anunoby.

Siakam’s triumph over Anunoby included a spinning right-handed hook shot late in the second quarter, followed by another successful spinning hook shot after gaining deep post position early in the next possession. In the third quarter, Siakam capitalized on a turnaround hook shot from seven feet out, pushing the Pacers ahead by six.

Maintaining his momentum into the fourth quarter, Siakam took on Anunoby in isolation once more, sinking a step-back jumper just inside the free-throw line. Although Anunoby thwarted a layup attempt by Siakam with three minutes remaining, Siakam swiftly responded with a right-handed layup, narrowing Indiana’s deficit to one in the final seconds of Monday’s game.

In contrast, Anunoby’s performance was less efficient. He spent 10 minutes and 13 seconds with Siakam as his defender, shooting 2-for-7 during these matchups. Anunoby managed to sink a three-pointer over Siakam’s closeout in the first quarter and executed a finger roll layup with a Siakam-esque spin move out of the pick-and-roll to beat his opponent in the second quarter.

Both teams will enjoy a break on Tuesday night before Game 2 commences on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.