Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell has turned in some huge performances in the NBA Finals, including an 18-point performance in Game 6 and a stat-stuffing Game 5.
But as the 33-year-old looks to cap off his NBA career with a first-ever title, plenty of attention is also going to his former high school sweetheart and wife, Valerie Guiliani. She has been a constant presence for McConnell, with one Pacers teammate even calling her a good luck charm during the team's playoff run last year.
Tyrese Haliburton, who has a strong bid for NBA Finals MVP if the Pacers can knock off the Oklahoma City Thunder in Sunday's Game 7, gave credit to Guiliani for being McConnell's good luck charm last year.
"I knew he was going to respond cause his wife Val is here and I always tell him he plays better when Val is at the game," Haliburton said.
McConnell's wife has been the subject of many stories and posts from fans during the 2025 NBA Finals, with many giving credit for her constant support. The pair have been together since high school and tied the knot in 2017, later welcoming two children.
McConnell also shared some love for his wife when he took to Instagram in 2020 to announce that they would be welcoming their first child.
"First off Happy Anniversary to the most beautiful, kind, sweetest person I know," the Pacers guard wrote. "These last 3 years have been the best of my life. I can’t wait to continue to do life with you. I love you so much. PS: You’re going to be the best mom ever"
McConnell and his wife could have the chance to celebrate another big milestone together, with the Pacers aiming for the franchise's first NBA title when they take on the Thunder in Game 7 on Sunday.