Ten seasons. That’s how long Myles Turner spent with Indiana, but on Monday night, that devotion drew boos from the home crowd. The Bucks narrowly claimed a 117–115 victory, yet the biggest reaction came from the stands. Turner, now with the Milwaukee Bucks recorded 9 points, 7 rebounds, and a team-high 5 blocks, surpassing the entire Pacers roster in that category.
Myles Turner’s disheartening return to Indiana
Nov 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center/forward Myles Turner (3) celebrates a basket in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
What should have been a happy reunion instead felt, in Turner’s words, “disheartening.” When reflecting on the crowd’s reaction, he addressed it candidly and without holding back.
“You give 10 years of your life, your blood, your sweat, your tears. You take paycuts. You survive trade rumors. Try to do everything the right way. And then sometimes that’s not how stuff shakes out,” Turner said.
This season in Milwaukee, Turner’s stats have dipped to 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 39.3 percent shooting. Still, Monday’s focus wasn’t on the numbers. It was about the feeling in the building. Doc Rivers, however, refused to let it pass without comment.
Nov 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the 4th quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“You can boo me all you want,” Doc Rivers said after the game. “But Myles gave you 10 years. I was really disappointed tonight.”
Turner never asked out of Indiana. He joined Milwaukee on a four-year, $108.9 million contract after learning he was no longer part of the Pacers’ long-term vision. The same Indiana team that eliminated Milwaukee in the last two postseasons is now watching its former anchor get booed simply for choosing a new chapter.
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“Myles wasn’t looking to leave. Myles was made available. There’s a big difference. For a guy to give a franchise 10 years and the crowd treat him like that, I’ve always had this crowd in high regard. I was really surprised by the reaction.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo, now Turner’s teammate in Milwaukee, openly showed his support for Turner amid the boos. He made encouraging gestures at different points in the game.
Nov 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The first occurred in the first half following a powerful dunk over a Pacers defender. Giannis faced the jeering crowd, flashed a thumbs-down, and mimicked their boos, showing solidarity with Turner while poking fun at the fans’ reaction.
The biggest moment came at the buzzer. With the score locked at 115 and less than a second remaining, Giannis rose over two defenders and sank a fadeaway jumper to secure the win. As his teammates swarmed Antetokounmpo, he turned to the crowd and signaled for silence. Then, with a smirk, he gave a double thumbs-down and mocked the fans with boos of his own, standing up for Turner after the crowd’s harsh treatment all night.
Nov 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates the game winning shot against the Indiana Pacers with teammates in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
“Anytime you play a former team, it’s always important in NBA locker rooms to win that game for your brother,” Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma added. “We were just happy GA hit that shot because we did not want to lose this game for Myles, for sure.”
A decade spent in one city and barely a year in another, yet Turner’s path has already come full circle. Maybe the night wasn’t truly about the jeers from the crowd. Maybe it was about discovering who still shows support when everyone else turns away.