INDIANAPOLIS — Giannis Antetokounmpo drained a jumper as time expired to give the Milwaukee Bucks a 117-115 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, capping Myles Turner’s emotionally charged first game back at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Antetokounmpo finished with 33 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. After the decisive shot, the two-time MVP turned toward the crowd, gave a thumbs-down and put a finger to his lips, silencing fans who had booed Turner throughout the night.
Turner, who spent 10 seasons with Indiana before signing a four-year, $107 million deal with Milwaukee as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, was greeted by boos when a tribute video played before tipoff. “It was disheartening,” the veteran center said. “You give 10 years of your life, your blood, your sweat, your tears… and sometimes stuff shakes out.”
Milwaukee players said the reaction fueled their determination. “He might not say it, but it kind of hurt,” Antetokounmpo noted. “We’re here to pick him up and show him how much we respect him.”
Turner scored nine points, blocked five shots and hit a pair of early three-pointers, gesturing back at the crowd after one make. Every subsequent touch drew jeers, and cheers erupted when he committed an offensive foul or turnover.
Pacers fans also saw graphics comparing Turner with new starting center Isaiah Jackson, who posted 21 points and 10 rebounds. Head coach Doc Rivers called the reception disappointing. “This guy gives you 10 years… Myles wasn’t looking to leave. Myles was made available,” Rivers said.
Turner explained earlier Monday that he felt “the rug pulled from under me” when Indiana did not present an offer comparable to Milwaukee’s. The Pacers maintain they were not given an opportunity to match.
Despite the atmosphere, Turner visited the Pacers’ locker room before the game and embraced former teammates Aaron Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin and Jackson afterward. “Regardless of how the fan feels, I think I took care of all the people that took care of me,” he said.
The narrow victory moved Milwaukee to 5-2 on the season, while Indiana fell to 4-3. The teams meet again in Milwaukee on Dec. 18.
Source: ESPN
