‘We’re prepared for the playoffs’: Pacers win third straight crazy game
Mar 21, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — With the Pacers up two points and less than 30 seconds left in overtime, Myles Turner made the game sealing play.
Nets guard Keon Johnson drove in with a full head of steam, and Turner met him at the rim and rejected his dunk attempt.
The Pacers won, 105-99, in over
time.
It was the third straight game that the Pacers won on an incredible play late in the game. On Monday, it was Obi Toppin’s fadeaway three-pointer in the corner to beat the Timberwolves. On Wednesday, it was Andrew Nembhard’s three-pointer after the Pacers forced a Mavericks turnover in their backcourt. And then on Thursday, it was Turner’s block at the rim.
“We’re prepared for the playoffs,” Turner said. “You’re going to have moments like that in the playoffs, so to be battle tested, let’s let it not be a surprise and be able to control your emotions.”
For Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, the three game win streak has showed him the resilience this team possesses.
“It shows a level of resilience and a level of resourcefulness,” Carlisle said.
Turner’s biggest goal of the game was to respond and he said he does not take big moments like the block at the end of the game for granted.
Carlisle emphasized another part of Turner’s game: his rebounding.
“‘You only should be thinking about one thing, and that is getting 10 rebounds or more in this game, in every game,'” Carlisle told Turner before the game.
The Pacers are 8-4 this season when Turner brings down at least 10 boards in a game. Carlisle said it leads to offensive opportunities for Turner and everyone else on the team.
Carlisle also gave credit to the Pacers fans and the environment in Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“It was deafening in there,” Carlisle said.
While Bennedict Mathurin has not had any of the game-winning plays in the three game winning streak, he left his mark on each game. He scored 20 or more points in each win, which is the second time this season he has had at least 20 points in three straight games. He had 28 points and 16 rebounds in the win on Thursday against the Nets.
“Any situation that is put in front of me, I think I’m going to thrive and I think I’ll be the best,” Mathurin said. “So just being in those situations, to me is normal. There’s no pressure. Just going out there and being myself.”
“Benn is fearless, man,” Turner said. “He’s really grown over the past few years. I think that these moments, he really looks forward to them.”
The Pacers are the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference after the win, holding a one game advantage on the Bucks and a 1.5 game advantage on the Pistons.
The Pacers get back in action on Saturday with another matchup against the Nets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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