NBA FINALS: THUNDER VS. PACERS

June 10, 2025

Myles Turner

Indiana Pacers

Practice Day

Q. What are some of the challenges trying to post up on their smaller defenders?

MYLES TURNER: They’re smaller defenders, but they swarm the ball. What looks open may not be open the next second.

A lot of them are bang-bang plays and it's just finding the moment when the moment presents itself.

Q. What are the biggest keys to having a good transition defense?

MYLES TURNER: Most of the things, just being aware of who their attackers are, being aware of who their main threats are. Getting back as fast as possible. Obviously getting rebounds. A lot of stuff goes into it.

Q. You talk about the importance of screening. How critical is overall off-the-ball action?

MYLES TURNER: Yeah, just bringing guys up. Again, you said it, they swing the ball so well. Have multiple defenders on the ball. So, making our breaks.

Q. Practice on your home court, NBA Finals, after 10 years how good does this feel for you?

MYLES TURNER: It's cool, man. I think the city's been waiting for an opportunity like this. I expect a hell of an environment tomorrow. I know it’s going to be. It's exciting times for everybody, just to experience the Finals in Indianapolis.

Q. What is the key adjustment you need to make sure you can win a Game 3 this postseason?

MYLES TURNER: We have our adjustments. Can’t put them them all there. Just stick to our game plan.

Q. Is that part of the conversation, like you guys haven't won a Game 3? Does that come up in the locker room at all?

MYLES TURNER: That's y'all. That’s not us.

Q. What does the home court do for you?

MYLES TURNER: Just being back, it's good energy. Being back in front of our home fans is big. Stick to your regular routine, sleep in your own bed, get your own meals. All that type of stuff is a big factor. I think it’s going to be important for us to protect our home court.

Q. James Johnson, what kind of energy and wisdom does he bring to this group?

MYLES TURNER: Man, it's immeasurable. He's an ultimate confidence builder. Someone who you want to get extra shots up, he's going to be the one that's there. He's got so much experience obviously through the years. He sees stuff before it happens. He can still play. Y'all don't get to see it that much. He can still play one-on-one at practice all the time.

Just being that big veteran voice out there for us. Off the court, whatever you need, he's there. Been to his house a couple times for dinner, little stuff like that add up.

Q. Rick talked about everybody needs to do more for Game 3. How do you assess that and how do you put that on the floor tomorrow?

MYLES TURNER: He's absolutely right. Wasn't good enough, right? Wasn't what it needed to be for the NBA Finals. Just have to pick it up tomorrow in Game 3.