Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner is battling back just in time.
After playing through an illness in Game 3 of the NBA Finals and struggling again in Game 4, the veteran center offered a key health update on Sunday that should give fans reason for optimism ahead of Monday’s critical Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Myles Turner Gives Promising Health Update After Battling Illness Against Thunder in NBA Finals
At Sunday’s practice, Turner was asked about his recovery process and how he’s feeling with the series’ lead up for grabs. The two-time NBA blocks leader took a no-nonsense approach.
He insisted that he won’t let being less than 100% prevent him from giving it his all.
“I’m all right,” Turner said. “No excuses this time of year, it is what it is. People get sick all the time. You can’t stop the train from rolling. Take it for what it is, take my medicine and get rolling.”
Even so, Indiana may need increased two-way production from its top big man to steal another victory against the favored Thunder at Paycom Center.
Turner’s ability to anchor the defense and stretch the floor has been central to Indiana’s unexpected finals push. Over the last two games, however, his production dipped noticeably as he dealt with lingering effects of the illness. This has led to questions about his availability and effectiveness moving forward.
Across Games 3 and 4, Turner averaged just 10.5 points and 2.0 rebounds on 28.6% shooting from the field, including just 1-of-10 from beyond the arc.
Still, with the series now tied 2-2 and momentum hanging in the balance, Turner made it clear he plans to push through, telling reporters there are “no excuses” heading into Game 5.
Through the series, Turner is averaging 13.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 3-pointers per game on 39.5/20.0/87.5 shooting splits.
Turner on Pacers’ Prospects of Recapturing Series Lead After Blowing Chance To Go Up 3–1
Indiana had a prime chance to seize a commanding 3-1 lead at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Game 4. The Pacers led by 10 points late in the third quarter before OKC rallied to win on the back of its lockdown defense.
According to Turner, after reviewing the game footage, the Pacers are ready to move past the missed opportunity.
“This is what the finals are about, about response,” Turner said. “Can’t dwell on it too much. It’s the task at hand. It’s all the little things. I think we did enough offensively to win that game, and now we have to make minor adjustments and move forward.”
Turner added that he and his teammates relish playing on the road with their backs against the wall.
“Step to the moment,” Turner said. “Realizing what it is. It’s a hostile environment, and, in the end, you know, this is what you dream of, playing in these environments with the highest stakes possible. I think that’s really what it is. We come together when moments get tough and just figure it out.”
Indiana has yet to lose consecutive games this postseason and will seek to continue that trend in OKC on Monday, with the franchise’s first NBA championship just two wins away.
