Pacers Hero in Tears, Shares Emotional Hug With Reggie Miller After NBA Finals Loss

With Haliburton out, McConnell became the driving force. He scored 12 of Indiana’s 20 points in the third quarter, finishing the game with 16 points, six rebounds and two steals.

Despite his efforts, the Thunder stormed back in the second half, winning 103–91 to claim the NBA championship. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points and 12 assists, while Chet Holmgren added 18 points and a record-setting five blocks in a Finals Game 7.

Still, McConnell’s performance was a major reason the Pacers even had a shot. Head coach Rick Carlisle and teammates leaned on his energy throughout the playoffs. 

During one stretch in Game 7, he was the only Pacer scoring, keeping the team close while the Thunder’s defense turned up the pressure.

Off the court, McConnell’s emotions showed how much the moment meant. He not only hugged Miller but was also comforted by Haliburton himself, who was seen embracing his teammate near the locker room. 

"He could have been in the locker room, feeling sorry for himself, after something like that happened," McConnell said in a postgame interview shared by SportsCenter. But then he wasn't. He was up, greeting us after a lot of us were hurt from the lost. He was there consoling us. That's who Tyrese Haliburton is."

Though the Finals ended in heartbreak, Pacers fans can look forward to next season. With McConnell returning and ready to lead, and Haliburton working toward recovery, Indiana will be back with something to prove.