Tiny NBA player made significant difference in Game 3 finals
INDIANAPOLIS - The atmosphere in the arena was tense during the second quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder had been leading for most of the first half, and the home crowd was starting to lose hope.
But then T.J. McConnell, the 6'1" guard listed as the shortest player in the finals, took charge.
He orchestrated a stunning 15-4 run for the Indiana Pacers, giving them their first lead since the first quarter of Game 2. In just over three minutes, McConnell recorded four assists, three steals, two points, and an offensive rebound. His electric play resuscitated the sluggish home crowd.
Coach Rick Carlisle praised McConnell's performance, stating he "inspires a lot of people" and brings "unbelievable energy" to the team. Guard Tyrese Haliburton affectionately referred to McConnell as the "Great White Hope," and forward Pascal Siakam emphasized his dynamic playing style and ability to get steals while pumping up the crowd.
McConnell's contribution played a crucial role in Indiana's 116-107 victory, which also gave the team a 2-1 lead in the series. He ended the game with impressive numbers: 10 points, five assists, and five steals, making history as the first player since the 1973-74 season to achieve those numbers off the bench in a Finals game. His impact was significant, especially considering he only played 15 minutes.
Three of McConnell's steals came from his signature play – lurking in the backcourt, pouncing on unsuspecting or lazy inbounds passes, and turning them into turnovers. Two of these steals led directly to points for Indiana, including a game-tying bucket in the fourth quarter, which drew thunderous applause from the crowd.
The entire Indiana bench seemed to feed off McConnell's energy, as the Pacers' backups outscored the Thunder reserves 49-18. Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin was the game's leading scorer, racking up 27 points in only 22 minutes.
McConnell, a 10-year veteran in his sixth season with Indiana, has always been a player who makes the most of his opportunity. He rarely starts more than a few games a season and has never averaged more than 26.3 minutes a night in his career.
But on this fateful night, he stole the show, turning the game around with his relentless energy and clutch play. His story is one of perseverance and determination, and his teammates admire his unwavering dedication to the game.
"He's been like a big brother to me since I've gotten here," Haliburton said. "The energy he brings to the team is unmatchable, and he always finds ways to make a difference. Tonight, he changed the course of the game, and maybe even the series."
In the heart of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, T.J. McConnell, the shortest player in the finals, orchestrated an electrifying 15-4 run for the Indiana Pacers, amassing four assists, three steals, two points, and an offensive rebound, which resuscitated the sluggish home crowd. His dynamic and inspiring play, evident in his game-tying bucket in the fourth quarter, played a crucial role in Indiana's 116-107 victory, securing a 2-1 lead in the series.
