Myles Turner details how Pacers lost to Thunder
Myles Turner details how Pacers lost to Thunder originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
On Sunday night, the Indiana Pacers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, losing 123-107. After roaring back in Game 1, the Pacers entered the game with all the momentum in the world, but the Thunder showed why they are heavy favorites.
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The series will shift to Indiana for the next two games, and the Pacers are hoping to find some home-court advantage in Games 3 and 4, although they know that they make their own luck and have to be in total control of the series.
The Pacers cruised past the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks in the playoffs thanks to their speedy play on both ends of the floor, although the Thunder's offense in Game 2, especially in the halfcourt, was methodical and efficient, limiting misses and mistakes.
As a result, the Pacers couldn't get out and run, causing the chaos that they often thrive in.
"Force them to a miss," outlined Myles Turner as a simple goal for the Pacers. "You grab the ball, get out of transition, and play our best basketball. But if we're having to take the ball out every single time or fouls, it slows down our offense, obviously. So, just finding more and more ways to mix it up defensively."
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The Thunder and Pacers both took 82 shots in the game, although OKC, obviously, made more, and they got to the free throw line with ease, slowing the game down and allowing their defense to get set on the other end.
While Indiana has embraced physicality this year, if it results in fouls, soft or not, it defeats the purpose of bringing defensive intensity.
Check out the All Pacers homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Related: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals 'Hard' Lesson Indiana Pacers Taught Him
Related: Pacers Struggle to Compete as Thunder Tie the Series
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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