In the high-stakes arena of the 2025 NBA Finals, few stories have captivated fans like that of T.J. McConnell, the Indiana Pacers’ undersized, undrafted point guard who has become the heart and soul of their championship chase. With a gritty 108-91 Game 6 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 19, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, McConnell and the Pacers forced a winner-take-all Game 7, set for June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. McConnell’s historic performance—becoming the first bench player in NBA Finals history to record 60+ points, 25+ assists, and 15+ rebounds in a single series—has not only rewritten record books but also ignited hope for Indiana’s first-ever NBA title. This blog post dives into McConnell’s remarkable journey, his Game 6 impact, and what lies ahead for the Pacers in Game 7, optimized for SEO to keep you informed and engaged.
T.J. McConnell’s Historic Finals Run
T.J. McConnell, a 6-foot-1 guard known for his relentless hustle, has been a game-changer off the bench for the Pacers. In Game 6, he delivered 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals in just 24 minutes, helping Indiana dominate the Thunder with 21 forced turnovers and a stifling defensive effort that limited OKC to 41.9% shooting from the field and 26.7% from three-point range. His ability to disrupt plays, including stealing inbounds passes, has been a constant thorn in the Thunder’s side, with posts on X calling him “all heart, all hustle”.
McConnell’s Game 3 performance was equally historic, as he became the first bench player since the 1973-74 season to record 10+ points, 5+ assists, and 5+ steals in a Finals game, a feat that sparked a 116-107 Pacers win. Alongside Myles Turner’s five blocks, McConnell’s five steals marked the first time in 24 years that teammates achieved such a defensive stat line in a Finals game, echoing Allen Iverson and Dikembe Mutombo’s 2001 performance. His Game 5 outburst—18 points, including 13 in the third quarter—further underscored his knack for delivering in critical moments.
According to StatMuse, McConnell’s cumulative Finals stats—averaging 11.3 points, 4.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 steals while shooting 53.7% from the field—place him in a league of his own. His 60+ points, 25+ assists, and 15+ rebounds off the bench are unprecedented in Finals history, cementing his legacy as a playoff hero.
The Pacers’ Game 6 Masterclass
The Pacers’ Game 6 rout was a testament to their depth and resilience. Despite a slow start, trailing 10-2 early, Indiana turned the tide with a 36-17 second-quarter surge, led by bench players like McConnell, Obi Toppin (20 points), and Andrew Nembhard (17 points). The Pacers’ defense was relentless, forcing 21 turnovers, including eight from Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2024-25 NBA MVP. Indiana’s bench outscored OKC’s 19-3 in the first half, showcasing the depth that has defined their playoff run.
Tyrese Haliburton, battling a calf strain, contributed 22 points and 11 assists, but it was the collective effort that shone. As Haliburton told ABC, “We just had guys make plays after plays,” highlighting the contributions of McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin, who dropped 27 points in Game 3. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the team’s “total grit mindset,” a mentality embodied by McConnell’s fearless play.
McConnell’s Journey: From Undrafted to Unstoppable
McConnell’s path to the Finals is a classic underdog story. Undrafted out of Arizona in 2015, he clawed his way through the Philadelphia 76ers’ “Process” era before finding a home with the Pacers in 2019. Twice a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year, McConnell’s intensity and ball pressure have made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents. His Game 3 sequence—assist, steal, offensive rebound, assist in six seconds—epitomized his ability to inject energy and shift momentum.
Teammate Tyrese Haliburton dubbed McConnell the “Great White Hope” in the Pacers’ locker room, a playful nod to his relentless spirit and clutch performances. In a post-game interview, McConnell laughed off the nickname, joking about passing the torch to rookie Johnny Furphy. His father, Tim McConnell, added a heartwarming moment by interrupting a live interview to express pride in T.J. and his sister, Megan, a WNBA rookie with the Phoenix Mercury. “This is a dream come true,” Tim said, reflecting the family’s excitement as T.J. heads to Game 7.
Game 7 Stakes: Can the Pacers Pull Off the Upset?
As the series shifts to Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center for Game 7 on June 22, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET, the Pacers face a daunting challenge. History favors the home team, with 15 of the last 19 Finals Game 7s won by the host. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35-point Game 4 outburst, have shown resilience, but their Game 6 collapse—marked by poor shooting and turnovers—has shifted pressure onto them.
Indiana’s road success (7-3 in the postseason) offers hope. Their Game 3 and Game 6 performances demonstrated their ability to thrive under pressure, with McConnell’s defensive tenacity and the bench’s scoring edge proving decisive. However, OKC’s home crowd, known for its deafening atmosphere, will test the Pacers’ resolve. NBA veteran Patrick Beverley even suggested on X that McConnell could be a dark-horse Finals MVP if Indiana pulls off the upset, a testament to his impact.
Why McConnell Matters for Game 7
McConnell’s role in Game 7 will be pivotal. His ability to disrupt OKC’s backcourt, particularly Gilgeous-Alexander, could tilt the turnover battle in Indiana’s favor. The Pacers’ 68% free-throw rate and 15-of-42 three-point shooting in Game 6 highlight their balanced attack, but McConnell’s intangibles—hustle, steals, and pace—set the tone. As Carlisle noted, “Playing hard is a skill,” and McConnell embodies that ethos.
The Pacers’ depth, with contributions from Toppin, Mathurin, and Nembhard, complements McConnell’s spark. If Haliburton can overcome his injury and Turner maintains his defensive presence, Indiana has a real shot at ending their 25-year Finals drought. A championship would mark their first NBA title, following three ABA championships and a 2000 Finals loss to the Lakers.
External Links for Further Reading
- NBA.com: Pacers vs. Thunder Game 7 Preview – Official NBA updates and analysis for the 2025 Finals.
- ESPN: T.J. McConnell’s Game 6 Recap – Detailed stats and highlights from McConnell’s historic performance.
- The Athletic: Pacers’ Game 6 Dominance – In-depth coverage of Indiana’s strategy and key players.
- Yahoo Sports: McConnell’s Finals Moment – Insight into McConnell’s rise and impact.
- AP News: Game 7 Stakes – A look at the historical context of Finals Game 7s.A Legacy in the Making
T.J. McConnell’s 2025 NBA Finals performance is a testament to the power of grit, heart, and hustle. From an undrafted free agent to a record-setting Finals hero, his journey resonates with fans and players alike. As the Pacers prepare for a monumental Game 7, McConnell’s energy and defensive prowess could be the X-factor in bringing a championship to Indianapolis. Win or lose, his historic contributions have already cemented his place in NBA lore. Tune in to ABC at 8 p.m. ET on June 22, 2025, to see if McConnell and the Pacers can defy the odds and make history.
