Early on in Game 1 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics, Myles Turner was on a roll.
Turner had six points in the first quarter, but doubled that in the critical second quarter where the Pacers rallied to tie the contest at 64. The two-time league leader in blocks was a matchup nightmare who stretched the floor and imposed his will on a Celtics frontcourt that was sorely missing Kristaps Porzingis.
Once the second half began, though, Indiana seemed to shy away from Turner.
To be fair, both Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton were getting into a better rhythm offensively and the Pacers’ game plan seemed to run through them. Moreover, Indiana had seven players finish in double figures so the offense was both potent and balanced. But Turner was making well above half of his shot attempts and was clearly feasting on a Boston frontcourt led by a not-so-young Al Horford and bench player Luke Kornet, who tends to moonlight as a role player.
Of course, Turner should also also do his part to remain involved with what the Pacers are doing offensively. His 47.3 percent shooting from behind the 3-point line should help spread the floor and allow the likes of Haliburton, Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and TJ McConnell to attack in space. However, he can’t spend too much time hanging out in the corner.
The Celtics’ big men couldn’t really stop him from within 10 feet and with how things turned out in Game 1, Turner has the right to demand the ball when he feels the matchup is in his favor.
In terms of defense, there hasn’t been much of an issue. The 28-year old may have only averaged double-digit rebounds during the 2020 postseason but he was able to grab critical rebounds in the second half. In the end, Turner can be as impactful if he can keep battling and wearing out Boston’s undermanned frontcourt.
Even if the Indiana Pacers were the road team, losing Game 1 was a bitter pill to swallow especially since they were ahead by three points with a little less than 10 seconds left in regulation. Myles Turner didn’t figure that heavily in the fourth quarter and in overtime, but given how the Boston Celtics have a Kristaps Porzingis-sized hole in the frontcourt, it may be wise to take advantage of that moving forward until Porzingis returns.
After all, the Pacers’ recent playoff history has shown that it’s not about how you start a series, but how you finish.
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