Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton receives a clear message from NBA legend Magic Johnson

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 123-107 on Sunday night.

With Games 3 and 4 in Indiana, the series is currently tied at one.

Tyrese Haliburton finished the game with 17 points, three rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks. It was a quiet night.

Magic Johnson, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, posted a message for Haliburton following the defeat.

“Haliburton’s mindset needs to be to score the basketball right from the tip and get the Pacers into their transition game if the Indiana Pacers are going to win Game 3,” he tweeted. They overplayed half court basketball in Games 1 and 2, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are too good at it.

Haliburton’s strategy must be to score the basket from the tip and force the Pacers into their transition game if they are to win Game 3. They overplayed half court basketball in Games 1 and 2, which prevented them from defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder.

— June 9, 2025, Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson)
Johnson’s counsel to Haliburton is important given that he is widely regarded as the greatest point guard of all time.

Despite just scoring 14 points in Game 1, the former Iowa State standout made the game-winning basket.

Additionally, Johnson wrote: “Mark Daigneault, the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, deserves a lot of praise for having his squad prepared for play tonight. In defense, points in the paint, and attacking the Pacers inside to open up the three, the Thunder crushed the Indiana Pacers in every aspect of the game!

Two of the five Thunder players who scored in double figures came off the bench. Aaron Wiggins scored 18 points, while Alex Caruso scored 20. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren both had comeback performances with 19 and 15 points, respectively, while Shai Gigeous-Alexander led OKC with 34 points.

Mark Daigneault, the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, deserves a lot of praise for having his squad prepared for action tonight. The Thunder outplayed the Indiana Pacers in every aspect of the game, including defense, paint points, and offensive attacks inside, which opened up the

— June 9, 2025, Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson)

This article was syndicated with permission after initially appearing on SI’s Fastbreak.

Myles Turner Inks Massive 5-Year Extension With Indiana Pacers, Cementing His Role as Defensive Cornerstone

In a major move that signals both ambition and loyalty, the Indiana Pacers have reportedly signed center Myles Turner to a massive 5-year contract extension. The deal underscores the franchise’s commitment to Turner as the team’s defensive backbone and one of its long-term leaders. As the Pacers fight for NBA supremacy in the 2025 Finals, this extension couldn’t come at a more symbolic time. Turner has long been one of the league’s premier rim protectors, and this agreement suggests Indiana believes the best is yet to come.

The extension is expected to keep Turner in Indiana through the prime of his career, offering the team continued stability at the center position. It’s a reward for years of consistent performance, but also a message to the rest of the NBA: the Pacers are no longer a team of potential—they are building to win now and in the future.

Turner has evolved since being drafted 11th overall in 2015. Initially viewed as a shot-blocking specialist, he’s refined his offensive game and leadership voice. His three-point range has expanded, his footwork in the paint has improved, and his pick-and-roll awareness on both ends of the court has become elite.

Over the years, Turner has often been mentioned in trade rumors. This extension puts an emphatic end to that chapter. It’s a sign that both sides are all-in on one another. Turner isn’t just a valuable piece—he’s a franchise pillar.

Defensively, Turner has led the league in blocks multiple times and remains among the top in defensive win shares. His ability to anchor the Pacers’ defense allows perimeter defenders to take more risks, knowing they have a last line of protection behind them.

Coach Rick Carlisle has consistently praised Turner’s impact. Beyond what shows up on stat sheets, Turner alters shots, communicates effectively, and sets the tone with his physicality. The timing of the extension—during the NBA Finals—only heightens its importance.

It’s no coincidence that Indiana’s rise to Eastern Conference champions has coincided with Turner’s healthiest and most impactful season. He’s played with urgency, consistency, and fire—qualities that championship-caliber teams require from their veterans.

Financial details of the deal are still emerging, but early reports suggest it’s among the most lucrative contracts ever given to a center in franchise history. Turner has earned it, and the Pacers have sent a message: loyalty and leadership will be rewarded in Indiana.

For the fans, this extension is a celebration. Turner is beloved in Indianapolis not only for his on-court prowess but for his off-court presence. He’s engaged with the community, remained humble, and always represented the organization with class.

From a basketball operations standpoint, locking in Turner provides roster clarity. With Tyrese Haliburton also under a long-term deal, the Pacers now have a stable core around which to build. That includes young stars like Bennedict Mathurin and role players who complement Turner’s inside dominance.

Turner’s presence also gives Carlisle flexibility. He can play small-ball with Turner as a stretch five or go big with him anchoring a traditional frontcourt. His ability to guard multiple positions in today’s switch-heavy schemes makes him invaluable.

The chemistry Turner has with Haliburton has grown visibly throughout the season. Their pick-and-roll game, high-low reads, and off-court camaraderie have become a foundation for Indiana’s current run. Keeping them together ensures continuity.

For Turner, the extension is a career-defining moment. It validates the years he spent developing, enduring losing seasons, and turning down short-term gains for long-term loyalty. He’s chosen to stay where he’s valued most.

This decision also signals that the Pacers are serious about contending beyond this season. They’re not merely enjoying a Finals run—they’re planting their flag. Turner’s extension is part of a larger strategy to compete year after year.

Comparisons can be drawn to similar franchise moves across the league, where locking up elite defenders paid long-term dividends. The Warriors with Draymond Green and the Heat with Bam Adebayo come to mind. The Pacers hope to write their version of that success story.

This extension also alleviates pressure heading into free agency. Indiana doesn’t need to chase big-name centers or reshuffle the roster. They’ve locked in one of the league’s best at the position, freeing up resources to target complementary talent.

Turner’s teammates have already responded to the news with celebration. Social media posts from Haliburton and Mathurin indicate how much Turner means to the locker room. Stability matters, especially in a league where change is constant.

As the Finals continue, Turner’s extension will be a motivational lift. It adds emotional energy to an already historic run. If the Pacers can capture their first NBA title, Turner’s extension becomes more than just a transaction—it becomes part of a championship story.

Looking ahead, Turner’s leadership will be critical. His voice will carry in the huddle, in the locker room, and on the court. He’s no longer the young shot-blocker with promise. He’s a seasoned veteran with expectations.

In the end, this extension is about more than money. It’s about belief—belief that Myles Turner is the man to help lead Indiana into its next era of success. For the Pacers, for their fans, and for Turner himself, this is a moment of affirmation and promise.

The Indiana Pacers didn’t just lock up their center for five more years. They locked up an identity—tough, resilient, and built from the paint out. Myles Turner isn’t going anywhere. And for the rest of the league, that’s a statement.

Top 5 players to watch in the 2025 NBA Finals Game 1 between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder

The 2025 NBA Finals are underway, and this time it’s a different experience. Game 1 will be played on June 5 at the Paycom Center between the Indiana Pacers and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. The emphasis is focused because Oklahoma City has yet to win a championship since relocating, while Indiana is searching for their first victory. Some players may grab the lead early in the series, and here are five to keep an eye on from the start.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the center of Oklahoma City’s championship run.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads his club into this first game as the league’s MVP, and he truly deserves the honor. He led the Thunder to an impressive 68-14 season, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game.

Furthermore, in the postseason, he has averaged 29.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. Young’s ability to get a decent shot, dribble around teammates, and control the game has Indiana’s guards concerned.

Tyrese Haliburton is Indiana’s engine and emotional leader.
Tyrese Haliburton is the key to the Indiana Pacers’ rebirth. The All-Star guard has taken over, averaging 9.8 assists, 18.8 points, and 5.7 rebounds per game this postseason. In the Eastern Conference Finals, he improved his stats, averaging 21.0 points and assisted on 10.5 per game against the Knicks. If Indiana is to prevail, it will rely on Kyrie Irving’s excellent vision, fast decision-making, and shooting ability.

Pascal Siakam contributes championship experience to the Pacers.
Pascal Siakam’s case demonstrates why it matters. Siakam was chosen to aid Indiana’s youthful team in the playoffs, and he has performed admirably when it mattered the most. His ability to score inside, guard several positions, and space the floor allows him to harm opponents in a variety of ways. Siakam’s experience from winning a title in Toronto might make a huge difference for this young club.

Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams is a budding two-way star, while Shai Gilgeous Alexander enters Game 1 as the league’s MVP, and he truly deserves it. He led the Thunder to an astounding 68-14 regular season record, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. And it doesn’t end there—he’s been equally productive in the postseason, averaging 29.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in 16 playoff games. His ability to create his own shots, cut past defenses, and control the pace makes him a major threat to Indiana’s backcourt.

Myles Turner is Indiana’s rim protector and defensive anchor.
Myles Turner’s ability to block shots is a significant reason why Indiana has performed well defensively in the playoffs. He alters the direction of shots, controls the boards, and extends the floor with his three-point shot. Turner’s paint defense will be critical for Indiana’s prospects in Game 1 against an explosive Oklahoma City offense.

Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals promises to be explosive. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton leading the charge, as well as key support from players Pascal Siakam, Jalen Williams, and Myles Turner, every play has the potential to make a difference. This clash is all about depth, youth, and passion—stay tuned.

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