NBA Fans Erupt After Giannis Antetokounmpo Buries Buzzer-Beater Vs. Pacers - Nov 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

'It’s Almost Laughable' – Indiana Pacers Star Gets 100% Honest on the Team’s Sluggish Start This Season

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Nov 4, 2025 7:31 AM ET

The Indiana Pacers are now 1-6 to start the 2025-26 NBA campaign, and Pascal Siakam is unhappy with their lackluster start, as they continue to be without Tyrese Haliburton , Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, and TJ McConnell due to injuries.

Following their 117-115 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks last night, courtesy of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s game-winning fadeaway, Siakam, who had 32 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and three steals on 11-for-24 shooting, vented his frustrations via Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star.

“It’s almost laughable. But it’s not funny,” Siakam said. “You want to feel good about the effort, but the result isn’t there. It’s hard, hard time for us as a team. We just have to keep going… It’s hard to be positive, but we have to.”

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam looks on during the team’s 133-116 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Crypto.com Arena. Credit: Nic Antaya/Getty Images

“It’s a tough situation. For me, I’m going to continue to grow. I’ve been put in so many situations in my career… I always joke with my agent. Nothing is ever going to be easy for me,” he continued. “I haven’t had a game where I thought, ‘That was a really good game,’ just for me personally. I have to do better… I have to do more to be the best version of myself.”

Indiana Pacers News: Isaiah Jackson stands out in defeat vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Isaiah Jackson was one of the Indiana Pacers’ bright spots in last night’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, besides Pascal Siakam. The Indiana Pacers center had 21 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals on 8-for-12 shooting in 29 minutes.

Nov 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center/forward Myles Turner (3) and Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) fight for position in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

“We forget that he’s coming from a major injury,” Siakam said of Jackson via Madie Chandler-Donahue of Pacers.com. “It takes time. I just love his energy. I love the way he played. Like, he’s a dog, and I just love seeing that come out, like when he’s out there on the floor and just being a beast…He’s a real force out there. And I think when he plays free and he’s just himself – dominant – he’ll be a problem.”

“He’s at the beginning stages of return-to-play,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “It makes sense that he’s getting his legs under him. He’s getting his rhythm. He’s getting stronger, recognizing situations better and better, and he’s one of our fighters. So it’s heartening to see him continuing to trend in a great direction.”