In Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers faced a dwindling energy in their home crowd as the Oklahoma City Thunder maintained an eight-point lead early in the second quarter. However, T.J. McConnell sparked a significant turnaround, leading the Pacers on a 15-4 run that revitalized the arena. In just over three minutes, McConnell contributed four assists, three steals, two points, and one offensive rebound, helping Indiana reclaim the lead. Coach Rick Carlisle praised McConnell’s inspiring presence, and guard Tyrese Haliburton highlighted his infectious energy, affectionately referring to him as the “Great White Hope.”
McConnell’s dynamic play was pivotal, culminating in a 116-107 victory for the Pacers, which gave them a surprising 2-1 advantage in the series. He made history as the first player to score 10 points, five assists, and five steals off the bench in a finals game, contributing significantly in just 15 minutes and displaying an impressive plus-12 rating. His signature strategy involved sneaking up on inbounds passes, generating turnovers that directly impacted scoring, including a crucial fourth-quarter tying bucket.
The Pacers’ bench thrived, outscoring the Thunder reserves 49-18, with Bennedict Mathurin leading the game with 27 points in 22 minutes. McConnell, despite being the shortest player in the finals at 6’1″, made a substantial impact. Haliburton, reflecting on McConnell’s influence, emphasized the importance of hustle plays and the energy he brings to the team, showcasing the strength of teamwork in critical moments. McConnell’s performance not only shifted the game’s momentum but also reinforced his role as a key player for Indiana.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
