Myles Turner, the starting center for the Indiana Pacers, is 6-foot-11. Back then, he hadn’t really found his groove yet, but tonight he’s looking to really put the hammer down against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Even after a disappointing 120-109 loss in Game 5 on June 16 at Paycom Center, Turner remains hopeful. He’s keeping his eyes on the bright future opportunities that lie ahead for him though.
In the last decade, Turner has averaged 64.2 regular season games across ten seasons. He shone bright for the Pacers, as he is the longest-tenured player currently on the roster and is sixth all-time in franchise history. The Pacers picked Turner 11th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft after he walled up in the paint at the University of Texas. Since then, he has established himself as perhaps their most indispensable player. As he approaches this important game, he thinks about the melancholy of playing in his first NBA Finals.
Turner remained optimistic that his team could recover from the loss, saying, “It’s a series, brother. It’s a series. His leadership shines through as he focuses his young teammates now to keep their eyes on the prize. He stated the value in keeping a focused, hopeful mindset, even in the wake of a stinging loss like last Saturday’s. “The fact is that we have another opportunity,” he added.
During Game 5, Turner showcased his defensive prowess by blocking a shot and remained vocal with his teammates as they exited the court. He echoed their cries on several occasions, doubling down on resilience and collective action despite loss. “That’s it. It’s not over. We’re going back to one of the best playoff environments in the league,” he said.
Turner was obviously upset to let Game 5 slip away, but the pivoting infielder remains upbeat. He is under no doubt about his performance or minutes for Game 6. Despite all of this, he is personally committed to do whatever it takes to help the team win. What would really surprise you, though, is how strongly Turner believes in his teammates. He is hopeful to have Tyrese Haliburton back on the court for Game 6, which will significantly increase the Pacers’ chances.
Haliburton’s presence will be key, as he no doubt shares an intrinsic, personal connection with the franchise. He noted, “Their parents were passionate about the team, and their parents before that were passionate about the team,” referring to the loyal fan base that has supported the Pacers through generations. Haliburton appreciates this unique aspect of being part of a smaller market team: “That’s a different type of home-court advantage or different type of fan than like a bigger city, if that makes sense.”
As an unrestricted free agent this summer, Turner has a lot to play for in these finals. His attention is stubbornly tied to the current moose crisis and not the unknowns that lie ahead. He personifies that all-in mentality embodied by the “dedicated spirit,” which further highlights his commitment to battle for the Riders’ championship with his teammates.
With the series moving back to Indiana for Game 6, excitement is buzzing among fans and players. The Pacers will be playing in front of one of the best playoff home-court advantages. Turner agrees, and he believes this particular environment might provide them with a big enough tailwind.
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