Myles Turner Met With Boos in Return to Indianapolis, Bucks Fall to Pacers

Former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner received a hostile reception Monday night in his first game back in Indianapolis as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, a sign of lingering frustration from fans following his departure and the team’s subsequent struggles.

Throughout the evening, the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse booed Turner during a pregame tribute video, his introduction, and every time he touched the ball, even responding with cheers when Pacers center Isaiah Jackson outperformed him statistically. Turner, the Pacers’ all-time leader in blocks with 1,412, left Indiana this summer after the team’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, a run tragically cut short by a devastating Achilles injury to Tyrese Haliburton. “It’s obviously going to be some mixed feelings and emotions, but for me it’s always going to be love,” Turner said before the game, though his reaction on the court suggested otherwise, at one point mimicking closing a book and sarcastically waving to the crowd.

The strained relationship between Turner and the Pacers fanbase stemmed from contentious contract negotiations and his subsequent comments expressing displeasure with how those talks unfolded. He posted on social media, stating, “Ten Years Of Blood, Sweat, Sacrifice, & Constantly Taking The Disdain On The Chin. I Guess Growth Isn’t Always Applauded Sometimes It’s Boo’d But I’m Still Grateful.” The Pacers, currently 1-6, are also grappling with a wave of injuries to key players, including Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and Pascal Siakam, further contributing to the difficult atmosphere. This loss underscores the challenges facing the Pacers as they navigate a rebuilding phase without a key piece of their recent success.

Despite the animosity, Turner finished with nine points, seven rebounds, and five blocks, while Jackson led the Pacers with 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 117-115 loss. Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo defended Turner after the game, stating, “To be able to come here in Indiana, all-time block leader — to be booed — for sure, (he) might not say it, it kind of hurt.” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the difficult “divorce,” adding he wished some things hadn’t been said publicly. You can find more information about the Milwaukee Bucks here.

The Pacers will continue to address their injury woes and attempt to turn their season around, while Turner and the Bucks will move forward, hoping to put the contentious return behind them.