Unsung Pacers savior beats Tyrese Haliburton for unreal franchise feat in Knicks takedown

Following an 0-2 hole after losing both Games 1 and 2 against the Knicks in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series, the Pacers responded they way they needed to in Game 3 to pull off a tough, gritty win. It was Andrew Nembhard who delivered the fatal blow to the Knicks. After having a poor shooting game, he hit the go-ahead three point shot to help seal the win. Facing another near must-win game, it was TJ McConnell who came through for the Pacers in Game 4 as they beat the Knicks, 121-89, to even the series at two games apiece.

McConnell has been a huge spark for the Pacers not just in the playoffs, but all season long. He runs the second unit and provides the team with scoring, playmaking and defense. In Game 4, he dropped 15 points, ten assists and was a +27. It was the first time a Pacers player has ever reached those numbers in a playoff game as per StatMuse.

McConnell shot 6-12 from the field, 2-2 from the three point line and also had four rebounds and two steals. The Pacers now head to the Knicks home floor for Game 5 with a ton of confidence. Tyrese Haliburton didn’t seem fazed by the multiple injury issues he’s been dealing with.

Meanwhile, the Knicks injury issues could be catching up with them. They’re already without Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson. OG Anunoby is currently sidelined with no definitive timetable for his return to the lineup. Jalen Brunson is nursing a foot injury and he had another poor shooting game of 6-17 from the field and 0-5 from three point range.

TJ McConnell is the Pacers secret weapon in the NBA Playoffs

Secret weapon may not be the best way to put it as teams are certainly finding out about TJ McConnell, maybe unheralded or under-appreciated may be a better way to describe him.