T.J. McConnell’s Unexpected Rise: Is Indiana’s Underdog Poised to Steal the NBA Finals Spotlight?

INDIANAPOLIS — There’s a certain charm when T.J. McConnell laughs off that quirky “great white hope” tag that his teammate, Tyrese Haliburton, tossed his way — a nickname that might raise eyebrows anywhere else but here, it’s oddly fitting. You see, what started as a locker-room jest has boldly stepped onto the NBA Finals’ grand stage, turning heads and keeping fans buzzing. McConnell’s knack for igniting Indiana’s energy, especially when the team needed it most, was on full display during their 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite clocking just 15 minutes of play, his impact was explosive — five steals, ten points, five assists, and a stat sheet that even NBA historians would tip their hats to. This seasoned guard, who’s danced through the ups and downs of Philly’s “Process,” now finds himself a vital piece on a Pacers squad hungry for glory, proving experience doesn’t lie. As the Finals heat up, the buzz around McConnell isn’t just about nicknames — it’s about a player who inspires a team, electrifies a crowd, and refuses to back down. LEARN MORE

Advertisement“I feel like it’s a going-down-swinging-type thing, where you have to play fearless and mistakes are going to happen,” McConnell said. “So there’s a point in the game where you want to be in there, but it’s time for the starters to come back in.If he keeps having nights like Game 3, giving the Oklahoma City Thunder nightmares with their eyes open, any nickname will do. Whenever it seemed like the Pacers were in a lull and in need of a spark, there was McConnell with one of his three backcourt steals. He had five overall as the Pacers took control of the Finals with a 116-107 win at home Wednesday night.

If he keeps having nights like Game 3, giving the Oklahoma City Thunder nightmares with their eyes open, any nickname will do. Whenever it seemed like the Pacers were in a lull and in need of a spark, there was McConnell with one of his three backcourt steals. He had five overall as the Pacers took control of the Finals with a 116-107 win at home Wednesday night.

If he keeps having nights like Game 3, giving the Oklahoma City Thunder nightmares with their eyes open, any nickname will do. Whenever it seemed like the Pacers were in a lull and in need of a spark, there was McConnell with one of his three backcourt steals. He had five overall as the Pacers took control of the Finals with a 116-107 win at home Wednesday night.

AdvertisementMathurin’s playing time has increased in every game, but there’s always a looking-over-your-shoulder feeling for reserves.INDIANAPOLIS — T.J. McConnell chuckles at it instead of taking it as an insult, the whole “great white hope” thing assigned to him by Tyrese Haliburton. But it seems to work in Indianapolis.“It’s a feel thing when I’m trying to inject energy into the game and get the crowd involved,” McConnell said. “And you know, when our crowd’s into it, they’ve willed us to wins throughout the season.”