Despite a relatively mediocre start to the 2024-25 NBA season, Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner delivered in a big way in the team's victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday night. In the win, the Texas alum recorded 34 points on 14-for-23 shooting, nine rebounds, one assist, and two blocks. This was easily his best performance of the year so far.
Turner looked aggressive in the win and made his presence felt at every level of the game. We all know what he is capable of, but his game was still a pleasant sign for Pacers fans that tides could be turning. The Pacers have struggled to achieve a record above .500, and they currently sit at 6-7. However, if Turner can continue to play this way, they will right the ship in no time. This is especially true given Turner's post-game comments, which should give fans some more hope.
Myles Turner explains major attitude shift
After the win, Turner revealed that he had not "liked my attitude the last few days." Additionally, he spoke about feeling like "an energy sucker" and being a bit negative. Regardless, Turner adjusted his attitude and pinpointed this game as a stepping stone toward becoming a better leader and man.
“Publicly, I haven’t liked my attitude the last few days. You’ve gotta be an energy giver and take accountability, but I feel like I’ve been kind of an energy sucker, kinda been in my own feelings a little bit…that type of sh*t is just negative. Obviously it was a great game just growing as a leader, growing as a man. You can’t put that stuff out into the universe, but I’m gonna hold myself accountable for that," Turner said.
It is always a good sign when a player, especially a well-respected Pacers veteran like Turner, acknowledges his weaknesses and addresses them. This type of self-improvement should carry over for the rest of the season and help get the team back on track.
Luckily for the Pacers, despite their slow start to the season, they have plenty of time left to figure things out and revert to the team that made the conference finals last season. It is difficult, especially given the multitude of injuries they are attempting to overcome, but this Pacers team has shown resilience a month into the campaign.
Furthermore, the Pacers have a great opportunity to flip the script right away given their upcoming schedule. In their next 12 games, only two of their opponents are currently a top-six seed in their respective conferences (Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons). Additionally, they will face the Toronto Raptors (who own the worst record in the NBA) twice.
It may not seem like much right away, but Turner's comments could be the sign of something bigger, both in terms of his own development this season and the growth of the overall chemistry of the team.