The Indiana Pacers have made a name for themselves this postseason as comeback kings, but their road performances are just as defining. With the NBA Finals now locked at 2-2, the pressure is real, and Game 5 in Oklahoma City could tilt everything.
Ahead of that high-stakes matchup, Pacers center Myles Turner opened up about what it takes to win in unfriendly arenas, offering a rare look into the mental toughness this Pacers’ squad has built over the past few months.
Myles Turner Says Embracing the Challenge Is Vital to Winning Road Games
Myles Turner shared what he believes is the key to winning tough road games during this playoff run. Speaking to ASAPsports following the Game 4 loss, Turner shared how much the moment means to the team and how they’ve mentally prepared to handle it.
“Stay in the moment,” Turner said. “Realizing what it was. It’s a hostile environment, and, in the end, you know, this is what you dream of, playing in these environments with the highest stakes possible, I think that’s really what it is. We come together when moments get tough and just figure it out.”
That mindset has translated into results. The Pacers boast a 7-3 record on the road this postseason, with six of those wins coming against higher-seeded opponents, as per the NBA. It’s a remarkable feat, especially for a franchise making its first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years.
While the Thunder struck back in Game 4 with a 31-17 fourth-quarter blitz to erase Indiana’s lead and steal a win, the Pacers’ road form still gives them confidence heading into Game 5.
MYLES TURNER WITH THE MOVES. 🥶
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 14, 2025
There’s no sugarcoating the challenge the Pacers will face in Game 5, though. The Thunder have been a different beast at home, boasting a 9-2 record in Oklahoma City during the 2025 playoffs.
Combine that with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s sizzling run – he’s averaging 30.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.6 rebounds in 20 playoff games, and the Pacers will need every bit of that road grit Turner talked about.
Still, the Pacers have reasons to believe. Tyrese Haliburton has delivered big road moments all postseason long. He’s putting up 18.7 points, nine assists, and six rebounds per game away from home. Turner’s own road numbers have held strong, with averages of 14.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in 10 away games.
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Besides, the Pacers can point to their playoff DNA even after their latest setback. This team has come back from deficits of 15 or more points five times during this postseason alone which is the most in a single playoff run since 1997. They’re 5-3 in such games. That speaks about the Pacers’ talent.
Likewise, Turner’s rim protection continues to be a critical factor, forcing Thunder guards and bigs to alter shots and abandon lanes in which they usually thrive. His presence changes the game even when he’s not lighting up the scoreboard.
Game 5 presents another massive test for Turner and Co., but the Pacers’ track record says they’ll be ready. The action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET at the Paycom Center on June 16, 2025.
