Whether or not the Pacers hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy in the coming weeks, Pascal Siakam’s impact on the franchise will be lasting
For Myles Turner and the rest of Indiana, he’s more than a teammate—he’s the champion they needed to believe again.
In a Finals series filled with rising stars and tactical brilliance, the Turner vs. Holmgren battle could be the silent war that determines the champion.
If Turner can enforce his will physically while staying out of foul trouble, the Pacers could make history.
On the other hand, if Holmgren’s mobility and rim protection take over, the Thunder may usher in a new dynasty behind their lanky unicorn.
Either way, it’s going to be a Finals to remember—and for fans of big-man basketball, this is a dream matchup.
Also Read: Myles Turner and Ronnie 2K’s NBA 2K25 Avatar Glitch: A Hilarious Exchange
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Jermaine O’Neal Backs Myles Turner in NBA Finals Clash vs. Chet Holmgren
The 2025 NBA Finals present a compelling matchup between two talented big men: Indiana Pacers veteran Myles Turner and OKC Thunder rookie sensation Chet Holmgren.1
On Tuesday, Pacers legend and six-time All-Star Jermaine O’Neal gave his insight into this high-stakes duel, expressing confidence in Turner during an appearance on the Gil’s Arena podcast.
O’Neal’s comments have set the tone for a showdown that could define the Finals narrative.
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) June 1, 2025
Jermaine O’Neal’s Vote of Confidence in Turner
Jermaine O’Neal didn’t hold back in his praise for Turner, especially after the Pacers center stood strong against the physical and dynamic Karl-Anthony Towns during the Eastern Conference Finals.
“KAT was a load, so I don’t think OKC has somebody like Karl-Anthony Towns,” O’Neal said. “He was tough to deal with off the dribble, behind the three-point line … and he was physical. I don’t think Chet Holmgren presents the same level of problems, so I think the matchup will be a lot better for Myles Turner.”
This wasn’t just confidence in a fellow Pacer—it was an informed opinion from a former big man who understands what it takes to succeed in the post-season spotlight.
Myles Turner’s Resilience Against Towns
The Indiana Pacers’ run to the Finals has been built on depth, grit, and strategic matchups—none more pivotal than Myles Turner’s performance against Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns.2
Turner, the longest-tenured Pacer, faced a physically taxing series but still managed to contribute effectively.
In six games against the Knicks and Wolves, Turner averaged:
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13.0 points per game
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3.2 rebounds
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1.8 blocks
While not eye-popping, those numbers came during key moments when Indiana needed him most. His defense and rim protection helped neutralize Towns during crunch time, even if the stat sheet didn’t tell the full story.
Holmgren: The Thunder’s Unicorn
Chet Holmgren, however, is no ordinary rookie. The 7’1″ shot-blocking phenom brings a different flavor of basketball to the table.
Unlike the bruising Towns, Holmgren is more finesse-oriented—built around rim protection, spacing, and fluid ball-handling.
In OKC’s path to the Finals, Holmgren has:
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Anchored the defense with elite shot-altering ability
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Knocked down threes at a respectable clip
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Played significant minutes without foul trouble, showcasing impressive discipline
Despite his slender frame, Holmgren’s timing and instincts have made him one of the hardest players to score on in the paint.
Key Differences in Style
The stylistic contrast between Turner and Holmgren is stark:
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Myles Turner is a defensive anchor with strength, capable of absorbing contact and defending the post.
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Chet Holmgren is a modern-day unicorn, stretching the floor while altering shots with length and timing.
This contrast makes the matchup even more fascinating. O’Neal’s comments point to the physical edge that Turner holds, suggesting Holmgren may not yet be built to withstand playoff-level punishment in the paint.
What the Numbers Say
Let’s break down how these two stack up statistically from the postseason:
Myles Turner (2025 Playoffs):
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FG%: 51.2%
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3P%: 37.5%
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Blocks per game: 1.8
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Defensive rating: 109.3
Chet Holmgren (2025 Playoffs):
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FG%: 49.8%
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3P%: 36.9%
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Blocks per game: 2.6
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Defensive rating: 106.7
While Holmgren has the edge in shot-blocking and defensive rating, Turner’s shooting efficiency and strength inside the arc give Indiana a potential advantage in exploiting mismatches.
Myles Turner: Impact Beyond the Box Score
Both Turner and Holmgren offer much more than stats. Their ability to alter game plans is where the series might truly swing.3
Turner’s experience and ability to stretch the floor can pull Holmgren away from the rim, reducing OKC’s shot-blocking advantage. Conversely, Holmgren’s quickness and agility can challenge Turner to defend further from the basket than he might prefer.
This cat-and-mouse chess game will likely determine how effective each team is at controlling the paint—and by extension, the pace of the series.
The Mental Edge
Another underrated element is the mental preparation and playoff experience.
Turner has been with the Pacers through thick and thin. He’s been through rebuilds, roster overhauls, and finally, a run to the Finals. That patience and mental toughness could be crucial.
Holmgren, while mature beyond his years, is still in his first full season. The Finals bring a different level of intensity. Every possession is magnified. Turner’s ability to remain composed could help Indiana execute better under pressure.
Coaching and System Fit
The Rick Carlisle-led Pacers have leaned heavily on Turner’s defensive communication and positioning.
He’s the backline commander, often calling out switches, traps, and drop coverages. The Pacers’ ability to be disruptive without gambling too much starts with Turner’s awareness.
For OKC, Mark Daigneault has used Holmgren smartly—keeping him in drop coverage against most pick-and-rolls and avoiding foul trouble.
He’s rarely overexposed on switches and benefits from elite perimeter defenders like Lu Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Still, if the Pacers can put Holmgren in motion through pick-and-roll or dribble hand-offs, they might wear him down over a seven-game series.
Legacy Implications for Turner
- For Myles Turner, these Finals mean more than a chance at a ring—they’re a shot at long-overdue respect.
- After nearly a decade in Indiana, he’s often been overshadowed by flashier stars or labeled as inconsistent.
- But 2025 has showcased the version of Turner many believed he could become—a dependable two-way center capable of anchoring a Finals-level team.
- A strong showing against Holmgren could silence critics and finally secure Turner a place among the league’s elite big men.
- Jermaine O’Neal, a man who carried Indiana through wars in the early 2000s, knows what it takes to dominate on the biggest stage. His vote of confidence in Myles Turner isn’t just about loyalty to the Pacers—it’s about recognizing real growth.
- O’Neal sees in Turner the tools to neutralize Holmgren and give Indiana a true chance at bringing home their first NBA title. It’s now up to Turner to prove his mentor right.
Also Read: Unveiling Evan Turner’s Personal Life – Is He Married? Meet Daughter Aubrey
Myles Turner Expresses His Admiration for “Champion” Pascal Siakam
As the Indiana Pacers gear up for their long-awaited NBA Finals showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder, one name has continued to resonate throughout their locker room—Pascal Siakam.
Acquired mid-season in a high-profile trade, Siakam has quickly become the beating heart of Indiana’s playoff surge. And his leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Veteran center Myles Turner didn’t hesitate to heap praise on his teammate during media availability before Game 1, calling Siakam a “champion” who’s brought an entirely new mindset to the team.
“We brought in a champion, man,” Turner said. “You’ve brought in someone who’s been there before. And you know not just a fluke championship, someone who had to work his way up. He’s a G League champion, G League Finals MVP, and then obviously the All-Stars, also someone who’s seen the highs and the lows.”
Those words reflect more than admiration—they speak to the cultural shift within a franchise that has been absent from the NBA Finals for over 25 years.
A Proven Winner at Every Level
Pascal Siakam’s journey to NBA stardom is anything but conventional. Unlike many first-round picks who were identified early as elite prospects, Siakam worked his way up through grit and relentless determination.
He first gained attention in the NBA’s G League, where he was named the Finals MVP in 2017 after helping the Raptors 905 win the championship.
That early success set the tone for what would become a remarkable rise. Two years later, Siakam played a pivotal role in the Toronto Raptors’ historic 2019 championship run.
He averaged 19.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists during that postseason, culminating in a 26-point outburst in Game 6 of the NBA Finals to seal the title.
For the Pacers, that resume was exactly what they needed—proof that Siakam wasn’t just talented, but that he understood what it takes to win at the highest level.
Myles Turner: Legacy-Defining Opportunity
For Pascal Siakam, this NBA Finals is more than just a chance to win another title.
It’s an opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the most impactful two-way forwards of his generation.
A second championship, this time as the undisputed leader of his team, would validate years of hard work and silence any lingering doubts about his elite status.
Myles Turner understands this too. Having spent his entire career with the Pacers, Turner has seen firsthand the difference a player like Siakam can make.
“We’ve got a guy who’s done it before,” Turner said. “That gives us confidence. We’re not just hoping to win—we believe we can.”
Thunder Showdown: The Final Test
The Oklahoma City Thunder pose a unique challenge. Led by MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a supporting cast of explosive young talent, the Thunder have stormed their way through the Western Conference with poise and power.
For Indiana, the key will be experience—and that’s where Siakam becomes their most valuable asset. Having faced high-pressure games and championship moments, he offers stability when the stakes are highest.
The Pacers will look to slow the Thunder’s pace, control the glass, and rely on their physicality in the paint.
Siakam’s ability to defend multiple positions and take over games offensively will be crucial.
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Mentorship and Inspiration
Beyond the stat sheet, Siakam has also become a mentor for Indiana’s young core. Players like Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard have spoken about the inspiration they draw from Siakam’s journey—from Cameroon to the NBA’s brightest stage.
That influence could have a ripple effect on the Pacers’ future, helping mold a sustainable winning culture for years to come.
“He’s someone you want to learn from,” said Nembhard. “Not just because he’s been successful, but because of how he got there.”
A Franchise Transformed
It’s easy to measure success in wins and losses, but Pascal Siakam has already delivered something equally valuable to the Indiana Pacers—belief. Belief that they can contend. Belief that they belong among the NBA elite.
And belief that their time is now.
From Myles Turner’s heartfelt praise to the team’s collective confidence, Siakam has proven to be more than just a trade acquisition. He’s become the soul of this Pacers squad.
As Indiana prepares to tip off Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder, one thing is clear—Pascal Siakam isn’t just chasing another ring.
He’s leading a movement. One built on resilience, unity, and the unshakable spirit of a true champion.
Also Read: Myles Turner And His Sister My’a Are Traveling Buddies
