Miami, June 20, 2025
T.J. McConnell‘s Unlikely Ascent: From Benchwarmer to Finals Force
T.J. McConnell’s unexpected dominance in teh NBA Finals has captivated fans, transforming him from a bench player into a key figure, defying expectations.
- McConnell’s impactful performance in the Finals has made him a central figure for the Pacers.
- He recorded historic stats, including being the first bench player to achieve specific point, assist, and steal totals.
- His playing style and unexpected success have made him a fan favorite.
In the world of the NBA, where towering athletes often steal the spotlight, T.J. McConnell is an anomaly. The Indiana Pacers guard, known for his grit and relentless energy, has transformed into a pivotal player, turning heads with his dynamic performances during the Finals.McConnell’s journey, marked by his unlikely rise from an average NBA player to a key Finals contributor, is now the talk of the league.
Back in 2018, while covering the NBA playoffs, the sight of McConnell shooting 3-pointers in an off-site practice gym was memorable. His effort stood in stark contrast to the effortless style of most NBA players. He looked like the average guy from the stands, not a professional athlete.
Fast forward seven years, and mcconnell, now on a $45 million contract, is far from average. He’s become one of the best bench players in the league, and his performance in the Finals is testament to that. In Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the pacers won 108-91.
Did you know?-McConnell’s $45 million contract reflects his critically important contribution to the Pacers, a testament to his growth from an average player to a key team member.
McConnell’s role in the upcoming Game 7 is crucial. He earned multiple top-three votes for sixth Man of the Year last season and has been on a scoring run this postseason, averaging double-digit points on 53% from the field and 42% from 3-point range.
Against OKC, McConnell has been on fire. He is the first player since Jason Kidd in 2002 to record at least 30 points, 15 assists, and eight steals through the first three games of the Finals. in Game 3, he became the first bench player ever to score at least 10 points, five assists, and five steals in a single Finals game.
In Game 5, with Tyrese Haliburton struggling, McConnell stepped up with 18 points, including 13 in the third quarter. The thunder won that game, but McConnell was back in top form in Game 6, recording his latest piece of NBA history as the first bench player with at least 60 points, 25 assists, and 15 rebounds in a Finals series.
Reader question:-What aspect of McConnell’s game do you find most surprising, given his initial role as a hustle player?
“He’s amazing, man,” Haliburton said after Game 6. “I don’t even have the words. He’s the great white hope.”
The way McConnell plays definitely adds to the excitement. He blends in with the super athletes and still manages to nail that fadeaway. It begs the question: how does he do it?
McConnell’s knack for creating space is a real talent, and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle gives him the freedom to make plays. McConnell actually has a higher usage rate than Haliburton and has consistently created opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Initially,McConnell’s place in the NBA was as a hustle guy. He’s on the floor for loose balls, darting in for rebounds, harassing point guards, and picking off inbounds passes.
Here is a highlight: a dime for a cutting layup followed by an inbounds pass steal and subsequent save off of Cason Wallace. pacers ball.
You don’t see this frequently enough in the NBA, but McConnell plays so hard that the only thing keeping him from starting is that he can’t play at that intensity for 30-35 minutes a game. You can only redline an engine for so long.
Categorizing McConnell only as a hustler does a disservice to his unique and effective skillset. He crosses over the league MVP and puts great defenders on skates. His 3-point shot may not look pretty, but he’s made three of the five he’s taken in the finals, with a 42% success rate for the playoffs.
“it sounds redundant when I say it, but I’m just trying to do my job,” McConnell said after Game 6.
McConnell is certainly doing his job, and then some. Imagine, a player who wasn’t even drafted a decade ago is on the Finals MVP boards. he’s honestly not a bad bet if you wont to take a flier on a crazy Game 7.
The Pacers have won three playoff games when trailing by seven points in the final minute. They were 66-1 to win the title before the season started and 80-1 before the playoffs.
No team that has won a championship has ever started the season at those odds. The closest were the 2014-15 Warriors, who started at 28-to-1. The Pacers’ odds actually worsened after they secured a top-four seed.
This makes McConnell’s story even more fitting. They’re a match made in underdog heaven, and they are one win away from securing the most improbable championship in NBA history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes T.J. McConnell’s play so unique?
McConnell’s effectiveness comes from his agility and ability to create space for himself and his teammates.
What historical milestones has McConnell achieved in the Finals?
He is the first bench player to record at least 60 points, 25 assists, and 15 rebounds in a Finals series, among other records.
What are the Pacers’ odds of winning the championship?
Before the season, the Pacers had long odds to win the title, making their current success all the more remarkable.
The evolution of T.J. McConnell into a Finals force is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability. His journey from an undrafted player to a crucial component of a championship-contending team is a true underdog story.
McConnell’s impact extends beyond scoring. His defensive tenacity and playmaking abilities are pivotal. He creates opportunities for other players, and his basketball IQ is off the charts. McConnell’s knack for anticipating plays and disrupting opponents’ strategies sets him apart. This makes him an invaluable asset in high-pressure situations.
Consider his steals. While many highlight-reel plays focus on blocks or dunks,McConnell’s steals often become the game changers. Frequently, his steals lead to fast-break points, shifting momentum in favor of the Pacers.
Here are some of T.J. McConnell’s key strengths:
- Court Awareness: Extraordinary vision and playmaking skills, always knowing where teammates are.
- Defensive Prowess: Aggressive,relentless,and effective at generating turnovers.
- Clutch Performance: Steps up and delivers in crucial moments, consistently rising to the occasion.
- Versatility: Can score, assist, and defend at a high level.
Throughout the season, McConnell has proven himself against all comers. Now, the Pacers are just one win away from securing a title. One key will be how McConnell performs, and they’ll need every bit of his exceptional skillset to emerge victorious.
Here’s what to expect from McConnell in Game 7:
- Increased minutes: Coach Carlisle will likely extend his playing time.
- Aggressive Defense: Look for him to apply constant pressure on the Thunder’s guards.
- Playmaking: He will try his best to facilitate the offense and get others involved.
Is T.J. McConnell a good player? Absolutely. He has demonstrated he can be a dominant player in the NBA. He’s turned into a player who many people did not think he could be.
With everything said, his story provides great insight.McConnell’s story resonates because it reminds us that hard work, dedication, and a relentless spirit can overcome even the longest odds.
