Indiana Pacers: Breaking down Myles Turner’s career-high 8 blocks

The Indiana Pacers look to be back on track after an impressive 119-80 win over the Charlotte Hornets and center Myles Turner was at the forefront of the win.

Myles Turner had a career-night in the 119-80 win by the Indiana Pacers over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night.

Turner would finish with a career-high eight blocks in the thrashing.

The center is currently the Pacers’ sixth all-time leader in blocks with 672 in only five seasons. If able to maintain that pace, he will have the opportunity to surpass Dale Davis’ 904 blocks.

Davis reached that mark in 10 seasons.

It’s no secret that shot-blocking is Turner’s strong suit. The center has had some struggles offensively but has remained a defensive cornerstone for the Pacers as they have navigated through an arduous season.

Turner’s production defensively is nothing new as he’s become one of the more consistent rim protectors in the NBA. Against the Hornets, he solidified that notion.

Here’s a breakdown of all eight of Turner’s blocks against the Hornets:

First Block

First, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier uses a quick crossover to get by Aaron Holiday. Turner recognizes Holiday is beat, initiates help-defense in the paint and goes straight up to get the block on Rozier as he attacks the basket.

A great example of how Turner’s presence helps alleviate any defensive breakdown by the Pacers’ guards:

Second Block

Cody Zeller receives the ball at the top of the key with a head full of steam.

Zeller has no hesitation at attacking Turner and the basket. However, Turner had other plans.

The Pacers center uses a strong base and stays with Zeller as he makes his way into the paint. Turner uses his hand quickness and blocks Zeller as he attempts to rise for a bucket. Turner’s defense then leads to a Charlotte turnover:

Third Block

Strong defense leading to offense.

In transition, Rozier makes another athletic move to get by Aaron Holiday once again. But Turner is there to support.

The center comes across the paint with authority and unleashes an authoritative block. The block then leads to a Pacers bucket in transition by T.J. Warren.

A great example of Turner’s elite anticipation/timing. Not too many centers in the NBA can pull this off:

Fourth Block

Charlotte’s set of twins, Caleb and Cody Martin were no match for Turner.

Cody Martin attacks the basket while being defended by Justin Holiday.

Holiday is able to stay with Martin as he works his way into the paint but Turner comes in to destroy any hope for the Hornets’ forward.

Turner uses his vertical and length to extend to block Martin as soon as the ball leaves his hand.

Great block by the Pacers’ center:

Fifth Block

Rozier struggled to find any space with Turner defending the paint.

The Hornets’ guard gets a pick from Zeller to create some separation. Rozier attacks and switches to his dominant right hand to try and get a quick layup over Turner.

The Pacers center quickly sends Rozier’s shot back and prevents the guard from getting an easy bucket in the paint.

Nothing came easy for the Hornets with Turner defending:

Sixth Block

Cody Martin refused to learn from the last block by Turner.

Martin attempts to put the Pacers center on a poster. However, Turner rises to the occasion and meets Martin at the rim.

The tape speaks for itself:

Seventh Block

This time, Caleb Martin gets a lesson from Turner.

Martin almost commits a turnover while being defended by Warren. Martin then attempts a left-handed layup in the lane and Turner makes a defensive shift and swats the shot.

Domantas Sabonis then cleans up the mess:

Final Block

Miles Bridges gets the ball and attacks the basket as he recognizes an open space in the lane and a favorable matchup with JaKarr Sampson defending.

Bridges attempts a spin move to create separation as he drives towards the basket and is immediately met by Turner.

This play is a great indication of Turner’s ability to read his keys, trust his eyes and anticipate. It also solidifies his value as a defender:

The Indiana Pacers are lucky to have Turner despite occasional woes offensively. Turner, as indicated, has the ability to bail out his teammates after defensive breakdowns. That is valuable for the Pacers down the stretch.

The center will continue to be a defensive threat and his career-high eight blocks against the Hornets serve as evidence.