Pacers’ Myles Turner Motivates Team After Game 5 Loss

OKLAHOMA CITY – With an assertive voice that would make late Indiana Pacers legend Mel Daniels proud, Pacers center Myles Turner urged his teammates as they exited the court following their defeat on Monday night.

“It’s a series, brother. It’s a series,” Turner called out repeatedly.

The Pacers faced a 120-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals. With this outcome, the Thunder lead the best-of-seven series 3-2, inching closer to their first NBA title since relocating to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008.

With Game 6 approaching at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Thursday night, the Pacers face a must-win scenario to keep their championship hopes alive. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton struggled in Game 5, not making a single field goal while managing injuries to his right leg. Turner anticipates Haliburton will rise to the challenge in the upcoming game.

Turner’s Leadership and Legacy

“We have another chance,” Turner asserted. “It’s not over. We’re going back to one of the best playoff environments in the league.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining morale among younger players, stating that he wanted to ensure they stayed motivated after the tough loss.

Drafted 11th overall in 2015 from the University of Texas, Turner has become the longest-tenured Pacer, playing 642 regular-season games over a decade. He recognizes that this team is closer than ever to securing an NBA championship, given the franchise’s history with previous ABA titles and past Finals appearances.

Fan Base and Community History

This legacy weighs heavily on the current squad. Haliburton noted the unique connection between the team and its fans, describing generations of passionate supporters. “That’s a different type of home-court advantage,” Haliburton remarked, indicating how meaningful it is to play for a franchise with such deep roots.

While the Pacers once led the Finals 2-1, the Thunder have fired back with two consecutive wins, placing them just one victory away from their first championship. The last time Oklahoma City lost back-to-back games was in early April, emphasizing their current momentum.

Turner’s Determination for Game 6

Despite the series’ challenges, Turner remains optimistic about extending the Finals into a seventh game. He reflects on his journey in the NBA, the trials, and resilience he’s shown, and the excitement surrounding Game 6. “The fans have been waiting for this,” Turner stated, acknowledging the support he’ll receive at home.

Contract Future

Looking ahead, Turner faces uncertainty as he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. With Indiana not having paid a luxury tax since 2006, resigning their starting center would require significant financial maneuvering. Still, he prioritizes the team’s success over personal contract negotiations as they aim to extend their playoff journey.

“This is the best time of the year,” Turner declared, emphasizing how eager he is to compete as they head back home with their backs against the wall. “I feel the anticipation. More than anything, I want it just as bad.”