Indiana Pacers backup point guard T.J. McConnell received quite the early birthday gift on Monday. Not only did the Pacers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-103 at the Gainfield Bridgehouse, but the victory also provided McConnell with another reason to celebrate.
McConnell posted 10 points on 5 for 10 shooting from the field against the sixth-ranked defensive-rating Timberwolves. He grabbed five rebounds, dished four assists, and recorded a steal.
Tuesday marks McConnell's 33rd birthday. Thankfully, his game is driven by passion, not athleticism. At such an age, athleticism begins to regress, but the jump shot, basketball IQ, and inner motor last longer.
McConnell offers Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton a change of pace. Haliburton plays at a speed that ranks the Pacers ninth in pace, down seven spots from the 2023-24 season.
However, for as fast as Haliburton plays, McConnell's intensity doesn't reflect his opponents' vast size difference.
Related: Tyrese Haliburton Elevates Pacers with Record-Breaking Performance
The Pacers' backup point guard's numbers are down from the previous regular-season campaign. Nonetheless, he's still the only backup guard who can control the game and inject a ferocity in the Pacers, which creates the playoff-level competitiveness necessary to beat teams such as the Timberwolves.
Indiana is in the McConnell business for the long haul, as evidenced by the contract the franchise signed with the backup point guard for a four-year, $45 million extension in August.
While such a contract would make for a price birthday gift, sweeping a playoff-level team fits McConnell's competitive motor more. Ultimately, while a regular-season win is nice, another deep playoff run would make for a priceless exchange for McConnell and the Pacers.
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This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM.