The Indiana Pacers find themselves back in a challenging spot. After dropping Game 4 at home, they’re heading to Oklahoma City with the series tied and momentum shifting.
As the Pacers search for answers heading into a pivotal Game 5, one of their former franchise anchors has offered a suggestion about getting the ball into the hands of a player often left out of the crunch-time script.
Roy Hibbert Wants More Post Touches for Myles Turner
Former Pacers center Roy Hibbert took to X after the Game 4 loss to share his thoughts, and his message was clear: Give Myles Turner a chance to work in the post, especially when matched up against Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren.
“Hey I know this @Pacers teams DNA is different than my teams DNA. But when we go through stretches of not being able to score at the end of the 4th quarter. I’d love to see them throw the ball down to @Original_Turner in the post, especially if @ChetHolmgren is on him. Huge fan of Chet. But not every possession but one or two times. I’ve seen MT out work in the post. Change it up a bit,” Hibbert wrote on X.
He also acknowledged the importance of floor spacing for Indiana’s system, adding, “I know spacing is key for this team. Don’t want a big to clog up the lane. Food for thought. Let me know what y’all think.”
Hibbert, who anchored the Pacers’ defense between 2008-15, understands both the interior game and the challenges of modern spacing. His comments bring attention to how the Pacers’ offense froze late in Game 4 when they scored just 17 points in the fourth quarter.
Hey I know this @Pacers teams DNA is different than my teams DNA. But when we go through stretches of not being able to score at the end of the 4th quarter. I’d love to see them throw the ball down to @Original_Turner in the post especially if @ChetHolmgren is on him. Huge fan of…
— Roy Hibbert (@Roy_Meets_World) June 14, 2025
Turner finished with 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists in that game. While his perimeter shooting has been valuable throughout the playoffs, Hibbert sees an opportunity to mix things up, particularly when Turner is matched up against Holmgren, the Thunder’s lanky but light-framed big man.
The Pacers controlled most of Game 4. They entered the final quarter up by seven points, looking poised to take a 3-1 lead. But the Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, stormed back with a dominant 31-17 fourth quarter. The Pacers’ offense fell apart under pressure, struggling to generate good looks and get stops.
Tyrese Haliburton had 18 points, and Pascal Siakam added 20, but the flow that usually defines the Pacers’ attack was missing when it mattered most. Oklahoma City’s defense locked in, and Indiana looked unsure of where to go.
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That’s where Hibbert’s suggestion becomes relevant. Turner is known for his ability to stretch the floor, but he’s also capable of scoring from the low post when given the chance. With Holmgren, a 7’1″ rim protector, often pulled out to the perimeter, the idea of occasionally attacking him inside could offer a different wrinkle.
Holmgren’s defense is elite, but his lean frame could be tested by a stronger, more physical post move or two, which is something Hibbert seems to believe Turner has in his bag.
As the series heads back to Paycom Center for Game 5 on June 16, head coach Rick Carlisle and his staff will have some decisions to make and Hibbert’s advice might come in handy. Mixing in a few post touches for Turner may not overhaul the offense, but it could open up space and offer a steady scoring option when the pace slows down.
