As the Indiana Pacers prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals, veteran center Myles Turner offered insight into the team’s transformation, coaching philosophy, and approach to a matchup against one of the league’s most versatile defenses.
During Finals Media Day, Turner reflected on how different coaching styles shaped Indiana’s identity over the years, praising current head coach Rick Carlisle for adapting to the modern NBA.
“Rick was a coach that used to like to call a play every single possession,” Turner said. “But in the dawn of this new NBA… that stuff doesn’t work. It’s easy to scout. When you have random movement on offense and guys like Tyrese who want to pass the ball, it makes the game easier.”
The Pacers, back in the Finals for the first time since 2000, will face a Thunder squad known for its defensive adaptability and depth. Turner acknowledged Oklahoma City’s strengths, but emphasized that Indiana’s preparation throughout the season has prepared them well.
“They play similar to us—we’ve been seeing that every day since training camp,” he said. “It’s going to be an adjustment period… but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Asked about Pascal Siakam, who joined Indiana last year and earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors, Turner credited his journey through the G League as a foundation for leadership.
“He was able to develop into an MVP on a championship team there,” Turner said. “He’s been there before, seen the highs and lows. That helps, especially for someone like me who had never been on this stage.”
Turner also discussed what makes this Pacers group enjoyable to be part of, despite the pressure of playoff basketball.
“We rely on each other so much. I feel like any given night, anybody can go off—this roster 1 through 15,” he said. “It’s exciting times. I’m just taking every single moment in.”
Known off the court for his interest in LEGO and puzzles, Turner shared how hobbies help him decompress from the intensity of playoff competition.
“Just putting together LEGO puzzles, Rubik’s cubes… it takes my mind away from work,” he said. “There’s a way of dehumanizing us when it comes to hoops. But we all have that same emotion.”
Turner emphasized the value of friendship and sacrifice in building a contender, especially in a league where individual accolades often dominate headlines.
“Everybody wants to be an All-Star… but I’ve been in this league long enough to know that stuff fades. Championships are forever,” he said.
Reflecting on Indiana’s slow start to the season, Turner said adversity helped reset the team’s focus.
“You start to feel good about yourself a little bit, like you’ve actually accomplished something,” he said. “But that adversity slapped us back into reality… we started to build toward where we are now.”
With the Finals set to open Thursday night in Oklahoma City, Turner will have support close to home, having grown up just a few hours from the Thunder’s home arena.
“I have plenty of friends and family supporting me back home,” he said. “Texas, Oklahoma—the ties run deep.”
