The 2025 NBA Finals gave basketball fans one of the most competitive and dramatic championship series in recent memory. While the Indiana Pacers fell just short in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the series served as a coming-out party for one of the league’s most underappreciated players: veteran point guard T.J. McConnell.
For years, McConnell has been beloved in Indiana for his gritty play, leadership, and tireless energy. But until this postseason, he remained under the radar on the national stage. That all changed over the course of the Pacers’ run to the Finals, particularly after Tyrese Haliburton, the team’s All-Star floor general, went down with a devastating Achilles injury late in the series. With Haliburton sidelined, McConnell was thrust into a larger role, and he responded in a way that few expected — unless you’ve been following his career closely.
A Breakout on Basketball’s Biggest Stage
Over the seven-game series against the Thunder, McConnell played some of the best basketball of his career. Coming off the bench, he averaged 12 points per game, while also contributing 4.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and an impressive 2.1 steals per contest. His intensity and intelligence were on full display as he pestered opposing guards defensively, set the tempo for Indiana’s offense, and made clutch plays when the team needed them most.
While he didn’t put up superstar numbers, McConnell’s impact went far beyond the box score. His ability to control pace, disrupt passing lanes, and make winning plays turned him into a fan favorite nationwide. For Pacers fans, however, this was nothing new — they’ve long appreciated the spark McConnell brings every time he steps onto the court.
T.J. McConnell on Kyrie Irving
Amid the media whirlwind following the Finals, McConnell has found himself receiving more attention than ever before in his NBA career. And during a recent interview, he didn’t shy away from speaking his mind — particularly when it came to Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving.
Though Irving wasn’t in the Finals this year, McConnell was asked about the challenge of guarding elite guards and how he views some of the league’s top backcourt talents. He singled out Irving, calling him “one of the most skilled players to ever play the game,” but also noted that the challenge of facing players like him is what fuels his competitive fire.
“Kyrie’s got one of the best handles in league history. You can’t really stop a guy like that — you can only try to make life difficult,” McConnell said. “But that’s what I love about this league. You’re going up against greatness every night. You don’t back down. You step up.”
McConnell’s comments reflect the mentality that has defined his NBA journey. As an undrafted player out of Arizona, he’s had to fight for every minute on the court, and his approach has always been centered around preparation, effort, and resilience.
A Veteran Leader with a Blue-Collar Mindset
What makes McConnell’s rise so compelling is how it contrasts with many of the league’s flashier stars. He’s not known for highlight-reel dunks or viral crossovers. Instead, he thrives on hustle plays, on-ball defense, and making the right read — traits that may not always get top billing on ESPN, but which win games in the playoffs.
With Haliburton expected to miss significant time next season, McConnell could be in line for an even larger role with the Pacers. If his Finals performance is any indication, he’s more than ready to rise to the occasion once again.
Earning Respect Across the League
T.J. McConnell may not have entered the Finals as a household name, but he leaves it with the respect of fans, players, and analysts around the league. His performance helped carry the Pacers to the brink of a championship, and his comments about players like Kyrie Irving show that he’s both humble and fiercely competitive.
For a player who’s built his entire career on proving people wrong, this past postseason was a fitting reward for years of dedication and persistence. And as the Pacers look ahead to next season, they’ll do so knowing they have one of the league’s toughest and most reliable veterans running the show — someone who isn’t afraid to face the best and speak his truth.
T.J. McConnell has officially arrived.