In Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers faced the Oklahoma City Thunder, needing a momentum shift as they trailed by eight points early in the second quarter. The crowd’s energy diminished after a strong start, but T.J. McConnell’s dynamic play ignited the arena. In just under four minutes, he contributed significantly with four assists, three steals, two points, and an offensive rebound, leading Indiana to a 15-4 run and their first lead since Game 2.
Coach Rick Carlisle praised McConnell as an inspirational player, while teammates highlighted his immense energy and crowd appeal. McConnell’s performance was pivotal in the Pacers’ 116-107 victory, giving them a surprising 2-1 series lead. He achieved historical significance by becoming the first player in NBA Finals history to record 10 points, five assists, and five steals off the bench, and finished with a plus-12 rating in just 15 minutes.
Known for his stealthy defensive style, McConnell’s three steals, often executed by ambushing careless inbounds passes, were crucial, including a game-tying basket in the fourth quarter. Standing at 6’1”, he is the shortest player in the finals but demonstrated an outsized impact, exemplifying the margins that can define playoff games. The Pacers’ bench, fueled by McConnell’s energy, significantly outscored the Thunder’s reserves 49-18.
Teammate Bennedict Mathurin topped the scoring, adding to the bench’s strong performance. McConnell, despite having limited starting experience and minutes in past seasons, transformed the game and potentially the series. Haliburton reflected on McConnell’s influence, emphasizing the joy of sharing the court with someone whose story and energy uplift the entire team.
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