Early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers’ worst fears were realized when star guard Tyrese Haliburton went down with an injury. Haliburton was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of Game 7, and the Pacers then turned to an unlikely hero. Backup guard TJ McConnell came off the bench and did his best to lead the Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, but it just wasn’t enough. Following the game, McConnell received consolation from Pacers legend Reggie Miller.

In the third quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals, TJ McConnell was instrumental in the Pacers playing tough and hanging close despite the loss of Haliburton. McConnell had 12 of his 16 points in the third quarter, and 12 of the Pacers’ 20 points overall. He shot 6-of-7 from the field during that stretch. It wasn’t enough, however, as the Thunder ended the quarter on a run and on the verge of breaking the game open.

During the Pacers’ postseason run, McConnell has emerged as one of the league’s best role players. Coming off the bench, he has done a stellar job steadying the second unit and providing a boost when needed. He can handle the ball, he can pass, he can score if needed and he plays defense.

Article Continues Below
More Indiana Pacers News
Victor Oladipo defends Pacers' Andrew Nembhard
Former Pacers guard Victor Oladipo triggers buzz with passionate Tyrese Haliburton injury takeJedd Pagaduan ·
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) reacts at the end of the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.
Pacers PR tries to project TJ McConnell in heart-wrenching post-Game 7 momentJedd Pagaduan ·
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) drives to the basket defended by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) in the first quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Pascal Siakam reflects on Pacers environment after failed Game 7 missionJedd Pagaduan ·
May 23, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) dribbles the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the first half during game two of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton’s exit highlights Jayson Tatum similarity beyond injuryJedd Pagaduan ·
Indiana Fever Guard Caitlin Clark revs the indy car before game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs between the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Caitlin Clark reacts to Tyrese Haliburton’s devastating Game 7 injury in Pacers lossJedd Pagaduan ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates his game-winning three-point basket in the fourth quarter during game two of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena.
Pacers’ silver lining to Tyrese Haliburton injury is NBA Finals trade that just happenedJedd Pagaduan ·

Coming into Game 7, McConnell had played in 22 playoff games this postseason at just about 17 minutes per game. He averaged 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists with splits of 53.1 percent shooting from the field, 42.1 percent shooting from the three-point line and 81.5 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

Last offseason, McConnell signed a four-year, $45 million contract extension, ensuring he remains in a Pacers jersey for the foreseeable future. This is his sixth season with the Pacers after he signed as a free agent ahead of the 2019-2020 season.

McConnell originally went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft and signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia 76ers. He played four seasons with the 76ers.