The Indiana Pacers faced a tense moment during Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 10, 2025, when center Myles Turner appeared to injure his right leg while battling for a rebound. With the Pacers trailing by double digits, Turner struggled to put weight on his foot and ultimately crawled off the court before limping to the locker room.
As reported by Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star, Turner was visibly affected by the injury, yet he managed to score and block a shot before his exit, leaving fans and teammates concerned about the impact of his potential absence. "Myles Turner is still gimpy. Scores and then gets a block but he's still skipping up and down like he can't put weight on one of his feet normally," Dopirak tweeted, capturing the anxiety surrounding the situation.
At the time of Turner's injury, the Cavaliers were leading the game 83-65, putting the Pacers in a must-win scenario as they aimed to maintain their series lead, having already won the first two games. Historically, no NBA team has ever come back to win a best-of-seven playoff series after falling behind 0-3, making this game crucial for both teams.
Fortunately for the Pacers, Turner returned to the hardwood after receiving treatment. In 21 minutes and 47 seconds of action, he scored 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 1-of-2 from three-point range, and converted 5-of-6 free throws. Additionally, he recorded three blocks and pulled down two rebounds, showcasing his importance to the Pacers' lineup.
Turner, who has spent all ten seasons of his professional career with the Pacers, is known for his ability as a 3-and-D center. At 29 years old, he has established himself as an elite rim protector while also being a reliable long-range shooter. This past regular season, he achieved a career-high 39.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc on 5.5 attempts per game, further solidifying his value to the team.
As the playoffs progress, Turner has been averaging 17.1 points per game with impressive shooting splits of .506 from the field, .375 from three, and .839 from the free-throw line across seven playoff games. His contributions extend beyond scoring, as he also averages 6.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 steals per contest.
Despite the injury scare, the Pacers' coaching staff and fans are relieved to see Turner back on the court. His presence is vital, especially considering the Cavaliers' size with players like Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. The Pacers boast depth in their backcourt, but losing Turner would significantly weaken their frontcourt, which is critical in this matchup.
As the game continued, the Pacers faced an uphill battle to close the gap against the Cavaliers. With Turner back in action, they hope to rally and secure a commanding 3-0 series lead. However, the challenge remains daunting as they strive to maintain their composure and capitalize on their opportunities.
Looking ahead to the offseason, Turner is expected to be one of the most intriguing unrestricted free agents on the market. With an expiring contract worth $19.9 million, he is poised for a significant raise, whether from the Pacers or another team. His performance in the playoffs could greatly influence his market value, making every game crucial not just for team success but for his future as well.
As the fourth quarter unfolds, the Pacers must dig deep and leverage their strengths to overcome the Cavaliers. The stakes are high, and every possession counts as they aim to inch closer to a potential series sweep. Fans are on the edge of their seats, hoping that Turner can continue to deliver impactful performances and lead the Pacers to victory.
