Myles Turner Trolls ESPN Analysts After 0-13 Prediction Record for Pacers vs Cavaliers

Myles Turner dominated his frontcourt opposition as the Cleveland Cavaliers were dumped out of the playoffs by the Pacers.

Myles Turner Trolls ESPN Analysts After 0-13 Prediction Record for Pacers vs Cavaliers

Myles Turner (Image via Instagram)

The Indiana Pacers surged from a 19-36 deficit in the first quarter to close out the Cavaliers last night. Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner and co went on a 17-2 run during the third quarter to take the lead back. They would hold on to their slender lead for the rest of the game, taking advantage of a cold shooting night from the Cavs. The Pacers’ balanced offense put the brakes heavily on Cleveland’s motor.

One of the crucial aspects of this series was the difference in spacing between the Cavs and the Pacers. Myles Turner being able to hit jump shots and create a 5-out spacing for Tyrese Haliburton gave the Pacers a dimension that the Cavaliers were simply unable to contend with. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley do their best work inside the paint, but their size was neutralized on both ends by the Pacers’ frontcourt.

Turner ended the series averaging 16.2 points and 2.8 blocks per game. The 7-footer shot 50.9% from the field and a whopping 56.3% from downtown in five games. His two-way presence along with Pascal Siakam’s versatility and efficiency gave the Pacers the edge in the frontcourt. The 10th-year NBA veteran was gleeful after the series win, deservedly boasting about how his Pacers team overcame the odds and predictions.

Turner tweeted an image showcasing how ESPN’s experts had predicted the series would go. All 13 panelists, including Kevin Pelton and Marc Spears, predicted a win for the Cavaliers. The experts’ picks were understandable – the Cavaliers had posted an imperious 64-18 regular season record and looked like the league’s best offense. However, the Pacers have every right to brag after being counted out.

Haliburton was voted as the NBA’s ‘most overrated’ player in The Athletic’s anonymous player polls. His performance in the last two rounds has proved that he belongs in the upper echelon of NBA players. Myles Turner, on the other hand, has been one of the NBA media’s favorite trade pieces to be dangled in rumors over the years. The vindication that he’s gained in this playoff run would undoubtedly be fulfilling.

Myles Turner is up for a mean challenge in the upcoming series

The Boston Celtics have been all but eliminated from this year’s NBA playoffs after Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles tear in game 4. The Knicks have the chance to finish the second round at TD Garden tonight. Even if they leave the job unfinished, it would be well-nigh impossible for Boston to complete a 3-1 comeback without Tatum. The Celtics, for all intents and purposes, can be viewed as a team out of the race.

This means that the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks will have a rematch of last year’s second round in the Conference Finals. The Knicks would be back on that stage after a gap of 25 years. Their last Conference Finals appearance in 2000 was also against the Pacers, led by Reggie Miller. These two teams share a storied rivalry of playoff meetings, especially during the 90s when both teams were contenders.

The duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson are an inside-out threat who are similar to Siakam and Turner in some senses. While KAT operates on the perimeter and is the best big man shooter in the NBA, Robinson crashes the boards and generates second-chance opportunities galore. On the defensive end, Robinson is a shot-blocking presence who will plug many holes against Siakam’s interior scoring.

This matchup promises to be an inviting clash of styles between teams which have similar strengths, and yet have differently talented personnel. Myles Turner would be hoping to leave his mark on the series and make his debut NBA Finals appearance.

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