The Indiana Pacers took a 2-1 lead in the Finals on Wednesday night, defending their home court with a 116-107 victory over the OKC Thunder. The game was tight until the 4th Quarter when versatile TJ McConnell lit a spark. The question now is whether TJ can do it again tonight in Game 4.
Game 3 photo courtesy NBCSports
TJ McConnell scored 10 points, dished out five assists, and had five steals in Game 3. Though not massive stats, his contributions came at just the right moment, and he ended the night with a +12 in plus/minus. Let’s call him Indiana’s “Swiss Army Knife.”
McConnell’s progression is a great story to tell because he went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft, but made the most of his stint with the Philadelphia 76ers’ Summer League Team. He eventually made it to the team’s NBA roster in April 2018, and remained with the Sixers until signing a two-year contract with the Pacers for the 2019-2020 season.
That signing paid dividends. McConnell broke an NBA record in March 2021 when he made nine steals in a single half. Rewarded for efforts like that, the Pacers re-signed McConnell to a 4-year, $35 million deal.
An energy guy coming off the bench, McConnell has had three triple-doubles in the NBA, with the first coming in February 2018 (10 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists) vs. the Knicks. This postseason, McConnell contributed mightily in Game 5 vs. the favored Bucks by putting up 18 points, grabbing three rebounds, and dishing out three assists, coming off the bench.
The question now–especially after his Game 3 performance–is how well McConnell will play in Game 4 tonight. I see it as a key to the game.
