T.J. McConnell’s Heroics Lift Pacers in Game 6 Blowout

The Indiana Pacers forced a decisive Game 7 in the NBA Finals with a dominant 108-91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, and once again it was T.J. McConnell, the 6’1” spark plug off the bench, who electrified the home crowd.

📊 McConnell’s Line:

24 minutes | 12 points (6-12 FG) | 9 rebounds | 6 assists | 4 steals

📝 The Most Underrated Pacer

Local media hailed McConnell as the team’s most underrated player — a relentless two-way competitor whose energy, consistency, and hustle never waver. In a game where stars get the headlines, it was McConnell’s gritty impact that tipped the scales.

📈 Game-Changing Second Quarter

After a quiet start with 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal in his first 5 minutes, McConnell erupted in the second quarter. He single-handedly engineered a 17-9 run, scoring 8 points on 4-of-5 shooting, adding 3 rebounds, an assist, and a steal in just 4 minutes. The Pacers blew the game wide open during this stretch.

The home crowd serenaded him with chants of “T.J.! T.J.!” as he left the court late in the first half.

👏 Nearly a Triple-Double Off the Bench

McConnell continued his stellar play in the second half, grabbing rebounds and dishing assists, threatening to notch an improbable triple-double off the bench. He finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in just 24 minutes — a masterclass in energy and efficiency.

Had head coach Rick Carlisle left him in during garbage time, McConnell was on pace to reach double digits in multiple categories. Still, his effort didn’t go unnoticed.

📉 One of the League’s Best Value Contracts

At 4 years, $44 million, McConnell’s contract is now being called one of the NBA’s best bargains. His unique ability to disrupt on defense, control pace, and ignite runs off the bench has become indispensable to Indiana’s Finals push.