The Indiana Pacers tied up the NBA Finals on Thursday night, leading to what will be a must-watch Game 7, the final match of the year.
Multiple players for the Pacers came out to perform, including T.J. McConnell.
McConnell has been terrific during the playoffs and especially during the NBA Finals.
According to StatMuse, McConnell is the first bench player in history with 60+ points, 25+ assists, and 15+ rebounds during the Finals.
TJ McConnell is the first bench player in NBA history with
60+ points
25+ assists
15+ rebounds
in an NBA Finals. pic.twitter.com/Tpwvz1vPLq
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 20, 2025
On Thursday, it was 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals for McConnell.
His 24 minutes on the court were very effective and incredibly helpful for his Pacers.
Throughout the playoffs, people have talked about how competitive this Pacers team is and how they are able to overperform and impress, especially when people count them out again and again.
McConnell is one of the reasons why.
This team has a deep bench, with players like McConnell, Obi Toppin, Bennedict Mathurin, Thomas Bryant, and others playing well again and again.
This sort of depth doesn’t allow other teams to ever get comfortable.
Even the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have their own very deep lineup, has come to fear the Pacers.
McConnell was looking great on Thursday night, as he has before multiple times.
But his toughest game is ahead.
Game 7 is on Sunday, and the Pacers will be playing on the road.
They need to bring the energy, and they need to stay consistent, and they need all of their players to shine.
Pacers fans are expecting big things from McConnell and the bench on Sunday.
Luckily for the loyal Pacers fans, they have every reason to believe the team will deliver.
NEXT: Udonis Haslem Reveals What He Expects From Pascal Siakam In Game 6