Indiana Pacers Receive Harsh Take From Skip Bayless After Game 2 Loss Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 3 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

Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton Has New Nickname for TJ McConnell After Game 3 Win Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 8:58 AM ET

Tyrese Haliburton gave a huge shoutout to TJ McConnell, following the latter’s role in the Indiana Pacers’ 116-107 Game 3 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder last Wednesday.

McConnell provided some much-needed energy and production off the bench, notching 10 points, five assists, and five steals on 3-for-8 shooting from the field in 15 minutes.

“His energy is unbelievable. He’s definitely a crowd favorite. I call him ‘The Great White Hope.’ He does a great job of bringing energy, and people feed off that,” Haliburton said about McConnell via ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly.

Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton Has New Nickname for TJ McConnell After Game 3 Win Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 2 May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) celebrates a basket 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

Besides McConnell, the Indiana Pacers also benefited from Bennedict Mathurin’s strong play off the bench. Mathurin had 27 points (team-high) and four rebounds on 9-for-12 shooting from the field.

Indiana Pacers News: Rick Carlisle likens TJ McConnell to one-time NBA champion

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle made sure to give TJ McConnell his flowers following his superb Game 3 performance. Carlisle compared McConnell to Alex Caruso, given their similar roles on their respective teams.

Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton Has New Nickname for TJ McConnell After Game 3 Win Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 3 May 19, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) controls the ball against New York Knicks guards Donte DiVincenzo (0) and Josh Hart (3) during the first quarter of game seven of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

“They’re both self-made guys,” Carlisle said in the postgame presser. “They’ve overcome a lot… Some of these guys, they go under the radar, have that level of grit and determination, and it’s able to get them to the league and to get them some longevity, and high impact. Both of these guys are examples of that.”

With McConnell’s help, the Indiana Pacers are now two wins away from winning their first NBA championship. They will look to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead at home later.