Just over 12 years ago, the Indiana Pacers took on the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. They ultimately lost by 23 points, but at least for a small bit of time, it looked like the Pacers could win the NBA Championship, and even Myles Turner (who wasn't even in college yet), took to social media and asked a question that remains relevant today--"What if the Pacers win it all?"
Fast forward to 2025, and Turner is now one of the most important players for the Pacers as they prepare for their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. In a strange turn of events, the Texas native himself now has an opportunity to answer his own question from 12 years ago and potentially help Indiana win their first NBA title in franchise history.
Myles Turner might be the X-factor in the NBA Finals
Despite entering the playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the East, the Pacers exceeded expectations and made it to the NBA Finals. Along the way, they eliminated Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers, and their archrivals, the New York Knicks. Now, they will be tasked to send home the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, led by the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It's going to be a difficult challenge for the Pacers, and everybody on the team needs to bring their A-game, including Turner.
Turner has had a bit of an up-and-down postseason so far, but he has often been there when the Pacers need him the most. Through 16 games in the playoffs so far, he is averaging 15.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks. Additionally, he is shooting 52.5% from the field and 40.3% from the three-point line during that span.
One of the reasons Oklahoma City is so daunting is because of their double-big lineup with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. In their first year together, they are wreaking havoc on the court and have made things tough for their opponents. Turner must be at his best on both sides of the ball to help neutralize one of the Thunder's biggest strengths.
Not many expected the Pacers to even make it past the first round of the playoffs, yet here they are in the NBA Finals. A lot needs to go right for Indiana to pull off the upset, but they have shocked the basketball world multiple times already. In order for them to win their first NBA Championship in franchise history, everybody on the team must bring their all, and Turner will be one of the most important players who must do so.