Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) reacts at the end of the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Ex-Nuggets, Lakers Guard's Message to NBA Finals Star T.J. McConnell

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Austin Veazey | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 2:03 PM ET

The NBA Finals are headed to a Game 7 for the first time in nearly a decade, as the Indiana Pacers blew out the Oklahoma City Thunder in Indy to tie the series. As the series shifts back to OKC one final time, there has been a surprise breakout star from the NBA Finals.

T.J. McConnell has been lightning in a bottle for the Pacers, playing the game in a way no one else in the NBA would dare. At a listed 6'1", he does a great job of keeping plays alive with his dribble, taking seven-foot jumpshots, and has a knack for creating turnovers on inbounds. For the series, he's averaging 11.3 PPG, 4.5 APG, and 2.3 SPG in just 19 minutes per game off the bench.

Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

McConnell has garnered a lot of love for his play in this series, especially as Tyrese Haliburton has been dealing with a calf strain. That included a shoutout from former Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Isaiah Thomas.

"So dope!! TJ one of my favorite players in the league for sureeeeee," Thomas posted on X/Twitter.

So dope!! TJ one of my favorite players in the league for sureeeeee https://t.co/K45sqxlXbm
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) June 20, 2025

McConnell had a postgame interview on NBA TV after the decisive victory, where his father ended up coming on set to talk about the game. It's a cool moment, where his father first talks about how he was disappointed in TJ for missing two free throws, but still thought he played an excellent game.

Game 7 of the NBA Finals will be on Sunday at 7 p.m. CST.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: