TJ McConnell Receives Message From Ex-Celtics Star Before NBA Finals Game 7

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 3:22 PM ET

On Thursday night, the Indiana Pacers avoided elimination in their final home game of the season and forced a Game 7 in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which will take place on Sunday.

Though the Pacers got major contributions out of numerous players, perhaps none of them stood out as much as backup point guard T.J. McConnell did.

In the win, the Pittsburgh native recorded 12 points on 6-for-12 shooting, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals. He was everywhere on the court and played a big role in Indiana's win.

Following his performance, a former Boston Celtics star took to social media to send a message to McConnell.

Though he made headlines following his impressive Game 6 performance, McConnell has been a solid contributor in the NBA for a decade and has built a reputation as one of the smartest and peskiest players in the league. So much so, that former Celtics star Isaiah Thomas called him "one of my favorite players in the league."

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

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

Thomas, who spent his best years in Boston from 2015 to 2017, is likely not the only basketball personality who values McConnell as highly as he does. The 33-year-old has been crucial to Indiana's success all season, and that is no different in the NBA Finals.

As the Pacers aim to pull off the series comeback and secure their first-ever NBA Championship, they will continue to rely heavily on McConnell following his fantastic showing in Game 6.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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