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USA Today via Reuters
Apr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Apr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Pacers have a huge concern amid their do-or-die game against the Celtics. Being 0-3 down in the series, Indiana stepped on the court without Tyrese Haliburton. While his absence could already end the season for the Indy side, they have another major threat involving Myles Turner, as he hobbled to the locker room ahead of halftime. However, this isn’t his first setback in the playoffs.
In Game 3, Turner had a double injury blow and spent a considerable amount of time on the bench, healing. He exited the court in the first quarter with a lower back injury and returned to the game. However, he didn’t seem to be at his personal best, as the back injury restricted him play the aggressive defense that he usually played. But he continued to contribute to the offensive end until he suffered yet another blow. He stepped on Derrick White’s foot and twisted his ankle while shooting. Following that, he subbed out of the game and looked in immense pain.
Notably, the reason behind his locker room expedition in tonight’s game is still not clear. The center had clocked out around the 2-minute mark in the second quarter. With all the niggles from Game 3, Turner showed up for Game 4 and ended up getting injured again right before halftime.
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On the other hand, the team already has Tyrese Haliburton on the bench with a hamstring issue. So if Turner doesn’t return to the court for the second half, then it could be curtains for the Pacers.
Status alert: Myles Turner headed to locker room Monday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) May 28, 2024
However, Myles Turner clocked back in the third quarter and seems to not have issues moving around the court. He needs to bring in his 100% in the remaining minutes to salvage the team from elimination.
Myles Turner gets heated up in the second half
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With a hot and cold performance in the first half, Myles Turner turned it up a notch in the second. Unfortunately, he ended up getting a technical foul for the same. Minutes into the third quarter, the ref blew the whistle on Turner for an offensive foul, as he shoved down Derrick White near the paint.
When Jaylen Brown approached White and slightly pushed Turner away, he turned back and pushed JB away in force. The officials reviewed the play and slapped both of them with technical fouls. The aggression might have given the Pacers a rare push, as they maintained the lead in the second half, only to give up in the last minute.
The Pacers, for the third time in this series, blew the game despite having a steady lead in the fourth quarter. Tonight, in the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, Turner couldn’t contribute much to the team, as he dropped 8 points with 4 rebounds and gave away four turnovers. Once again, Jrue Holiday came up with a clutch defense, making a steal and collecting a crucial defensive rebound to seal the deal for the Celtics with a 105-102 win, a Finals ticket.
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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.