Bucks’ win has TJ McConnell sending blunt message to Pacers

It has been a brutal 2025-26 NBA season so far for the Indiana Pacers. On Tuesday, Indiana failed to arrest its skid, as it fell prey to the Milwaukee Bucks in a 111-94 loss at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. 

Indiana has now gone winless in six consecutive games. It also dropped deeper below the .500 mark, as the team’s record becomes 6-24 through 30 games.

With the way the Pacers are playing, it looks unlikely for them to make it back to the NBA Playoffs, let alone successfully defend their Eastern Conference title.

Pacers’ vet speaks up on team after loss to Bucks

Following the loss to the Bucks, Pacers veteran point guard TJ McConnell shared his candid reflection on his team’s situation.

Via Tony East of Forbes Sports:

McConnell: “I think the frustrating part sometimes is… some of our losses it doesn’t feel like we play to our potenital.”

Said that the team is still trying to figure out what is missing on the poorest nights.

Indiana is not playing as well as it did last season when it even reached the 2025 NBA Finals, falling just a win short of winning the league championship. Although the absence of injured start Tyrese Haliburton is a big reason for Indiana’s losses, it can still play a lot better in the eyes of McConnell, who had 16 points and six assists in the loss to the Bucks.

As for the Bucks, they got it together to snap a three-game losing streak. Milwaukee has now won two games against the Pacers this season, with two more coming up in February and March.