Although it was not detrimental to the Pacers, who led 3-2 in the series, TJ McConnell had so far missed his series with 7.4 points and 3.6 assists on average at 37% on shots, including 10% at 3-points! And then, last night, Tyrese Haliburton’s understudy was sparkling! Only one match managed to overshadow the previous five, and it received a superb standing ovation from the crowd. And even two
“I knew he was going to react,” assures Haliburton. “His wife, Val, was there. He always plays better when Val is there. He was a little depressed after Game 5, and he didn't play the way he wanted to. After the match I told him, 'We're going to go home, Val will be at the match and you'll be better.' That’s what happened, so congratulations to Val. »
The Pacers bench scores 50 points!
Jokes aside, McConnell signed, by far, his best game of the series, and it's difficult to ask more from a replacement leader: 20 points, 9 assists, 4 interceptions and 2 rebounds in… 23 minutes. In his wake, the Pacers bench ate that of the Bucks with 50 points against 10, including 21 points for Obi Toppin, who will find the Knicks in the next round.
“Our bench had taken a few steps backwards in terms of competitiveness and productivity”recognizes McConnell about this series. “Tonight, we all had in mind to reach the next level, and this is the bench that I saw throughout the season. I’m really happy for all the guys who came off the bench this season.”
An example for all children
Facing the Knicks with a short rotation, it is perhaps the Pacers bench, and the energy it brings, which could make the difference. For Myles Turner, McConnell has this ability to pull everyone along in his wake.
“TJ's contagious mentality is unmatched. Few teams have a player like him. I think TJ is the epitome of the small player who makes a huge difference,” estimates the Pacers pivot. “I feel like a lot of kids, especially back home, can watch a guy like TJ play and see hope. Not everyone can be 2m10m or 2m13. But you can work on everything else and his game, and he’s the perfect example of that.”
