How Did TJ McConnell Do This? The Most Shocking NBA Finals Performance You’ve Never Heard Of
In an NBA Finals filled with superstar narratives, one name has quietly but emphatically forced his way into the spotlight: T.J. McConnell. The Indiana Pacers’ backup point guard—often overlooked in a league dominated by towering athletes and explosive scorers—has delivered what might be the greatest bench performance in NBA Finals history.
With 68 points, 28 assists, 19 rebounds, and 14 steals across the series, McConnell hasn’t just filled up the stat sheet—he’s rewritten what it means to be a role player on basketball’s biggest stage.
A Spark No One Saw Coming
McConnell has long been known as a gritty floor general—a tenacious defender and high-IQ playmaker—but no one, not even the most loyal Pacers fan, could have predicted this. From the moment he stepped on the court in Game 1, the tempo shifted. He didn’t just come off the bench—he ignited it.
Game after game, McConnell provided the steady hands and electric bursts Indiana needed. His relentless ball pressure, smart passing, and uncanny ability to find the seams in the defense left the Oklahoma City Thunder searching for answers.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Let’s take a look at what McConnell accomplished:
68 Points: Efficient mid-range jumpers, well-timed drives, and transition buckets. He shot over 55% from the field in the series.
28 Assists: Facilitated flawlessly, finding open shooters and bigs in tight spaces, many in clutch moments.
19 Rebounds: At just 6’1”, McConnell was constantly crashing the glass, often out-hustling taller opponents.
14 Steals: A menace on defense, jumping passing lanes and hounding ball-handlers into mistakes.
He averaged just 22 minutes per game, making his production even more staggering. No bench player in NBA Finals history has ever put up those kinds of numbers.
The Turning Point: Game 3
It was Game 3 that truly signaled something special was happening. With the Pacers down early, McConnell entered and swung momentum with a furious stretch:
10 points in the second quarter alone
5 steals in under 6 minutes
Numerous assists that turned into three-pointers and fast breaks
Fans, commentators, and players alike were stunned. Twitter exploded. ESPN dubbed it “the most impactful 15 minutes of basketball by a reserve in recent memory.”
What Makes It So Special
McConnell isn’t a flashy dunker. He doesn’t shoot deep threes. He’s not the fastest or tallest guy on the court. But he plays with heart, vision, and relentless effort.
“He’s the guy who won’t be in the highlight reels—but is the reason we’re still standing,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.
“He changed the energy of every single game,” said teammate Tyrese Haliburton.
“He’s a coach’s dream,” remarked former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy, who called McConnell’s Finals run “a masterclass in basketball IQ.”
In a league often dominated by stars, McConnell reminded everyone that greatness can also look like hustle, vision, and heart.
More Than Just Stats: The Emotional Factor
McConnell’s journey makes this even more inspiring. Undrafted out of Arizona, overlooked by scouts, and traded more than once, he’s built his career from the ground up. His Finals performance isn’t just a breakout—it’s a career-defining moment. For aspiring players and underdogs everywhere, McConnell has become a symbol of perseverance and passion.
Could He Be Finals MVP?
The conversation has shifted from “great role player” to something more historic: Finals MVP consideration.
While stars like Haliburton and Siakam have carried the scoring load, many believe McConnell’s impact—especially during critical stretches—has been the difference-maker.
If the Pacers win Game 7, don’t be surprised if a backup point guard with no ego but unlimited drive walks away with the most prestigious award in basketball.
The Legacy
When the 2025 NBA Finals are remembered, names like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Myles Turner will feature prominently. But TJ McConnell’s name will be the one whispered with reverence by true fans of the game.
Because while stars shine bright, it’s the unlikely glow of players like McConnell that reminds us why we watch sports: for the shock, the stories, and the magic of the unexpected.
“How did TJ McConnell do this?”
By doing what he’s always done—work harder, think faster, and never stop believing.
