Pacers Notes: OKC Star Criticizes Indiana as Haliburton Opens Up on Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner Reunion

The NBA Finals are often as much about narratives and emotions as they are about basketball. That reality came into sharp focus after Indiana’s stunning Game 1 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the Pacers celebrated a thrilling win led by the calm and clinical heroics of Tyrese Haliburton, tension flared off the court when a Thunder star made pointed remarks about Indiana’s style of play and attitude. As if the Finals needed any more fuel, the postgame comments from Oklahoma City ignited new controversy and added layers to an already emotionally charged series. At the same time, Haliburton’s comments about the unexpected reunion of former Pacers teammates Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner painted a more reflective picture, offering insight into the culture and chemistry that defines this Indiana team.

The postgame tension erupted when an Oklahoma City veteran, widely believed to be Josh Giddey—though the team did not officially confirm—voiced frustration with what he perceived as excessive celebration and showmanship from the Pacers bench. According to multiple courtside sources, the Thunder locker room was visibly frustrated after the narrow 114-113 loss, with several players muttering about Indiana’s conduct in the closing minutes. When asked by reporters about the dramatic finish and Haliburton’s game-winner, the OKC star responded sharply, stating, “They act like they’ve been there before, but they haven’t. It’s one game. This isn’t over. We’ll see how they handle it when the pressure is really on.”

That comment, while not naming Haliburton directly, was clearly a response to the Pacers’ emotionally charged celebration at the end of the game. Haliburton, who hit the clutch shot with 1.6 seconds remaining and was swarmed by his teammates afterward, didn’t respond to the criticism directly. But during his postgame media availability, he offered a calm perspective that contrasted the fiery rhetoric coming out of the Thunder locker room. “We’re excited, no doubt,” Haliburton said. “We’re in the Finals. You don’t take moments like this for granted. But we’re staying focused. We know how quickly things can change in a series like this.”

While Haliburton’s on-court performance made headlines, his comments off the court were just as compelling. In particular, his reflections on the reunion of Myles Turner and Victor Oladipo—once central figures in Indiana’s core—drew attention from fans and media alike. With Oladipo returning to Indiana as a veteran voice off the bench after multiple injury-plagued seasons, and Turner having evolved into the Pacers’ defensive anchor and veteran leader, the pair’s presence in the locker room has created a sense of history meeting the future.

Haliburton, who arrived in Indiana years after Oladipo’s prime run with the franchise, admitted he wasn’t sure what to expect when the former All-Star rejoined the team. “When Victor came in this season, we didn’t know how he’d fit. Not because of talent—he’s a pro, and his resume speaks for itself—but just because so much had changed since he last wore a Pacers jersey. But what’s crazy is how seamless it’s been. He’s been such a positive presence, especially for our younger guys. And for me personally, it’s been special to learn from someone who’s been through so much and still shows up every day ready to compete.”

Haliburton went on to discuss how Turner and Oladipo’s dynamic has helped unify the locker room. The two were cornerstones of the Pacers’ mid-2010s playoff runs and endured the team’s rebuilding years. Turner, who is now the longest-tenured Pacer, has become a mentor figure, blending his on-court leadership with behind-the-scenes guidance. Oladipo, while no longer the high-flying scorer he once was, has taken on a vocal role, sharing his experiences and supporting the younger players. Their shared history, according to Haliburton, offers a bridge between eras. “It’s wild to think about everything they’ve seen here,” Haliburton said. “They’ve been through it all—big playoff wins, trades, injuries, rebuilding. Having both of them in the locker room now, especially during a Finals run, is powerful. It gives us perspective.”

That sense of perspective has become one of the defining traits of this Pacers team. Written off by most analysts entering the playoffs, Indiana has embraced its identity as a resilient, unselfish group. Led by Haliburton’s creativity and maturity, the team has leaned into its depth, balance, and defensive tenacity. The presence of Oladipo and Turner, who both have had to reinvent themselves through adversity, has only amplified that mentality. According to those close to the team, their voices carry extra weight because of the authenticity behind them.

Haliburton has often credited Turner with being a foundational piece in Indiana’s growth. “Myles has been the rock of this team, even when people outside weren’t paying attention,” Haliburton said. “His ability to protect the rim, stretch the floor, and lead by example—those things don’t always get the headlines, but they win games. He’s someone I trust on the floor, no matter the situation.” That trust was on display in Game 1, when Turner made two critical defensive stops in the final minutes, helping set up Haliburton’s dramatic shot.

Oladipo’s impact may be less visible in the box score, but teammates and coaches alike have raved about his influence. Rick Carlisle noted that Oladipo’s presence in film sessions and practices has helped sharpen the team’s focus. “Victor understands the gravity of these moments,” Carlisle said. “He’s been the guy carrying a team, and he’s also been through the injuries that take you off the floor. So when he speaks, our guys listen. There’s a lot of wisdom in what he brings, and I think our players feed off that.”

As for the growing war of words between the two teams, Haliburton didn’t fan the flames but made it clear that Indiana won’t be backing down. “People are going to say what they say. It’s the Finals. Emotions run high. But for us, it’s about staying locked in. We respect OKC a lot. They’re a great team, and they’ve earned the right to be here just like we have. But we’re not here to play nice—we’re here to win.”

That quiet defiance reflects the internal belief that has driven the Pacers throughout the postseason. From knocking out the heavily favored Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals to outlasting the New York Knicks in a physical second-round battle, Indiana has built its identity around cohesion and toughness. It’s not a team filled with household names or highlight-chasers. Instead, they’ve built a culture that celebrates the little things: closing out on shooters, rotating on defense, making the extra pass. In that sense, the Oladipo-Turner reunion feels symbolic. Both players have had to shift from being focal points to finding new ways to contribute, and the team as a whole reflects that same selfless evolution.

The comments from the Thunder locker room, while expected in the wake of a gut-wrenching loss, have added an edge to what was already shaping up to be a compelling series. For Indiana, it’s just more fuel. “You want emotion in the Finals,” Turner said. “You want the games to matter. If they didn’t care, it wouldn’t be the Finals. But we’re not going to let someone else’s words change how we prepare. We’re about action, not talk.”

That sentiment was echoed by Haliburton as well, who finished his media session by pointing forward. “This is just one game,” he said. “We came here to win the series. Nothing’s been decided yet. We know they’re going to come back strong, and we’re ready for it. That’s what the Finals are all about—great teams pushing each other to be better. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

As Game 2 looms, the tension between these two young, hungry teams continues to build. With leaders like Haliburton at the helm and steadying veterans like Oladipo and Turner in the background, the Pacers aren’t just riding a wave—they’re shaping a legacy. And if the Thunder still think Indiana is just celebrating prematurely, they might want to prepare for more than just noise. Because this Pacers team isn’t just happy to be here. They believe they belong.