One of the reasons the Indiana Pacers made it all the way to the NBA Finals this year was because of Myles Turner and his threat as a three-point shooter. Two games into the series, Turner is continuing to play a big role for the team, though he is leaving a lot to be desired from the perimeter. Still, his presence makes the Pacers such a special team, especially offensively, and some familiar faces to the fans made that crystal clear in Game 2.
Roy Hibbert and C.J. Miles, who were both key players on the Pacers in the 2010s, took to social media to give Turner some encouragement and remind him that his shot is crucial to the team's success.
After Indiana's Game 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, the series is tied 1-1. Though it would have been huge for the Pacers to head back home with a 2-0 lead, they are still in a good spot. A championship victory is still within reach, especially once Turner's shot starts to fall.
Myles Turner has still been a factor in the series
Through the first two games of the NBA Finals, the Texas native is averaging 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.5 blocks. Additionally, he is shooting 50% from the field but just 30% from the three-point line. Despite his three-point efficiency not being great, Turner has played well in the series so far, making his presence felt on both sides of the ball.
Losing Game 2 is tough for Turner and the Pacers, but they still have a lot of momentum. They took Game 1 in stunning fashion and will now return to Indiana, where they have only lost twice in the playoffs. Additionally, the Pacers should expect their role players to play better at home, which could be a scary thought for the Thunder since they have incredible depth.
Ultimately, while having a deep rotation has been valuable for the Pacers all postseason, they will continue to rely on their top guys to lead the way. This includes Turner, whose importance to the team cannot be overstated. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim at such a high level makes him one of the most unique big men in the league, and he continues to prove exactly how important he is to the team as they inch closer to achieving their ultimate goal of winning an NBA Championship.