When the Indiana Pacers found themselves on the brink of elimination in Game 5, it was the pint‑sized spark plug T.J. McConnell who ignited the comeback. Pouring in 18 points, four boards, and two steals off the bench, he kept Indy alive in Oklahoma City. Although they lost 120-109 to the Thunder in Game 5, the loss fueled their Game 6 victory.
Just three nights later, McConnell was at it again at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, logging 12 points, nine rebounds, and six assists as the Pacers dismantled the Thunder 108–91, to force a deciding Game 7. But it was his father who stole the limelight with his wholesome comment about his son.
T.J. McConnell’s Dad Crashes Son’s Postgame Interview
As McConnell stepped in front of the NBA TV crew for his postgame interview, his father, Tim, seized the moment and the microphone. Tim crashed the set in an unforgettable display of pride. With a lighthearted jab thrown at his son, Tim boasted about his daughter playing for the Mercury and took pride in his son’s NBA Finals journey with the Pacers.
“My daughter was undefeated in the state championship. He [T.J.] lost in the state championship. We lost two games… Now, she’s with the Mercury. I can’t be more proud to say I have a son in the NBA and a daughter in the WNBA… this is a dream come true,” Tim beamed.
He even quipped in his true dad style about how his daughter is better than his son, which left both the panel and the fans in stitches as the clip went viral online.
“I can’t be more proud to say I have a son in the @NBA and a daughter in the @WNBA.”
This moment from McConnell’s dad ❤️🥹 https://t.co/vE92nimFhi pic.twitter.com/fquKZps4Ed
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 20, 2025
Game 6 was Indiana’s ultimate statement. After leading the first quarter, the Pacers unleashed a 64–42 run by halftime. Obi Toppin led the way with 20 points off the bench, while Andrew Nembhard chipped in 17 points and three steals. Pascal Siakam added a double‑double of 16 points and 13 boards, and Tyrese Haliburton battled through a strained calf to score 14.
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As Indiana’s deep‑bench hero was basking in the glow, McConnell’s family story added another chapter. His sister, Megan, had inked her professional deal days earlier with the Phoenix Mercury.
Who Is Indiana Pacers Guard Sister, Megan McConnell?
Megan, a 5′ 7″ guard, shattered Duquesne records. She graduated as the program’s all‑time leader in assists (660) and steals (370) and finished second in scoring with 1,795 points.
Tim coached both T.J. and Megan at Chartiers Valley High School in Pennsylvania. Under Tim’s coaching, McConnell’s team amassed six WPIAL championships, and Megan’s team won three WPIAL titles. His love for basketball shone brighter on his kids as they both transformed into professional contributors.
Big week for the McConnell siblings 🔥
Megan signed with the Mercury, while her brother T.J. will play in his first NBA Finals 👏 pic.twitter.com/hsvonsJ0d5
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 3, 2025
With Game 7 looming on Sunday night in Oklahoma City, Indianapolis is gearing up for a historic upset. Home teams historically hold the edge in winner‑take‑all Finals games, but the Pacers have thrived as underdogs all season.
Tied at 3-3, both teams will arrive on Sunday with a do-or-die mindset. It is also the first Game 7 decider in the NBA Finals since the Cleveland Cavaliers won the championship in 2016 against the Golden State Warriors.
Now, fans await which star will shine brightest when it matters most.
