Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

'He Pushed Me in So Many Different Ways' – Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton Credits Veteran Backup for Improving His Game

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 12:19 AM ET

TJ McConnell emerged as a cult hero for the Indiana Pacers during their NBA Finals run last season. The 33-year-old guard was a huge reason why the team pushed their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games, especially when Tyrese Haliburton was on the sidelines.

During a recent appearance on The Young Man and the Three podcast, Haliburton made sure to give his Indiana Pacers teammate his props.

“I always say that TJ (McConnell) has helped me become great because in practice every day – most days in practice – I lose. I lose the majority of days in practice because of him. And that’s made me want to be a better player – a better practice player. He’s pushed me in so many different ways,” Haliburton stated.

May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots the ball during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

McConnell posted averages of 9.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 53.7 percent shooting from the field during the Indiana Pacers’ playoff run last term. The Arizona product is under contract until the 2028-29 season.

Indiana Pacers News: Tyrese Haliburton plans to retire iconic on-court celly

Tyrese Haliburton caught the attention of fans when he did the choke sign after converting the game-tying shot to force overtime against the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.

May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) walks off the court after game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Speaking with Spike Lee on The Young Man and the Three podcast, the Indiana Pacers floor general admitted he won’t do the infamous celebration again anytime soon.

“I can’t do it again… If I do it again, it has to be the perfect moment,” Haliburton said.