Emotional Return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse
The atmosphere in Indianapolis was charged with emotion as Myles Turner made his return to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where he faced a hostile crowd of Pacers fans who greeted him with jeers. Despite the negativity directed towards him, Turner’s new team, the Milwaukee Bucks, secured a thrilling 117-115 victory thanks to a last-second jumper by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Following his winning shot, Antetokounmpo turned to the crowd, offering a thumbs down while gesturing for silence as he exited the court.
Tribute and Fan Reactions
Prior to the game, fans watched a tribute video honoring Turner, which began with a wave of boos that reflected the friction between the player and the Indiana fanbase. Turner expressed his disappointment regarding the fans’ reaction, saying,
“It was disheartening, man. It was frustrating.”
He reflected on his decade-long commitment to the Pacers, which included enduring trade rumors and taking pay cuts, emphasizing that he had always tried to do right by the organization.
Support from Teammates
Giannis, who had an impressive performance with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists, emphasized the importance of the win for Turner, stating,
“He might not say it, but it kind of hurt. But we are here to pick him up… He’s a great person, a great competitor.”
Turner discussed how his new teammates pledged their support prior to the game, further highlighting the competitive nature of the rivalry with the Pacers, which he acknowledged fueled their desire to win.
Thriving Under Pressure
As the match progressed, Turner seemed to thrive off the crowd’s boos, delivering a strong first quarter with two three-pointers and four blocked shots.
“If anything, you have to channel that energy, that negative energy turned into a positive,”
Turner noted. Though he ultimately recorded nine points and five blocks, his influence on the court was undeniable, despite the audience’s ongoing derision every time he touched the ball.
Coaching Perspectives
The Pacers’ coaching staff and management also had something to say, with Bucks head coach Doc Rivers expressing his disappointment in the reaction Turner received from the Indiana fans, clarifying that Turner did not seek to leave the team but was made available as part of a trade strategy. This contrasted with the experience of the new starting center for Indiana, Isaiah Jackson, who had a standout game with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Turner’s Decision to Join the Bucks
After spending ten years with the Pacers, Turner made the decision to join the Bucks with a lucrative four-year, $107 million contract this offseason. He felt sidelined when the Pacers failed to make a competitive offer, expressing on Monday,
“The front office and the ownership valued me in Milwaukee more than ownership and front office valued me here in Indiana.”
Reconnecting with Former Teammates
After the game, Turner took a moment to reconnect with former teammates, demonstrating his appreciation for the bonds he forged during his time in Indiana. He emphasized the importance of gratitude, stating,
“I wanted to make sure I went back there and showed love to all my people, all my guys in the organization.”
Despite the animosity evident from sections of the fanbase, Turner’s focus remained on the relationships he built during his tenure with the Pacers.
