T.J. McConnell once again proved crucial off the bench for the Indiana Pacers, finishing Thursday night’s 108-91 2025 NBA Finals Game 6 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder with 12 points on 6-of-12 shooting. The victory helped Indiana tie the series at 3-3 with a deciding Game 7 back in Oklahoma City on Sunday.
McConnell also had nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals in 24 minutes of play. Indiana will look to secure its first NBA championship in the decisive game. Tyrese Haliburton was still nursing a calf injury, so McConnell took on extended ball-handling responsibilities. He helped steady the Pacers’ offense while bringing constant defensive pressure.
The veteran guard has now scored in double figures in four of his last five games, recording 13 steals during that stretch. No matter whether Haliburton will be at full strength for Game 7, McConnell is expected to remain a key part of the Pacers’ game plan.
T.J. McConnell’s Father Joins Postgame Coverage With Viral Reaction
After the win, McConnell joined the NBA TV panel for a post-game interview. What followed was a brief but memorable segment that highlighted a different side of the Pacers guard, through the eyes of his father, T.J. McConnell Sr., and his love for NBA legend Isiah Thomas.
Brought on stage by Thomas, McConnell Sr. shared a light moment with his son, first playfully pointing out the free throws T.J. missed earlier in the game. Soon, he expressed the pride of having his kids playing in the NBA. He said this while also bringing up his daughter, Megan McConnell, who currently plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA.
“I can’t be more proud to say I have a son in the NBA, and I have a daughter in the WNBA,” he said on air. “This is a dream come true.”
NBA TV brings TJ McConnell’s Dad on during his interview, he says TJ is lying about being harder on him than his sister and it turns out he’s a huge Isiah Thomas fan pic.twitter.com/Jw60Dzva0a
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) June 20, 2025
With Game 7 now looming, the Pacers look to finish what they started. One thing is true: The McConnell family’s presence around this postseason run has already carved out one of its most meaningful subplots.
Haliburton’s status will be closely monitored, but McConnell’s recent play has provided Indiana with a reliable option in the backcourt. If the Pacers are to finish the job, then they’ll once again need McConnell’s two-way production.
