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T. J. McConnell - English
Tyrese Haliburton - English
Tyrese Haliburton may have captured national attention with his game-winning three-pointer in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, but even he admits that Indiana’s championship hopes hinge on another unsung hero-one the team now calls “the great white hope.”
When most had counted them out, the Pacers did what they’ve done all postseason: defy expectations. Trailing 3-2 in the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana stormed into the Paycom Center and delivered a dominant 108-91 Game 6 victory-forcing a winner-takes-all Game 7.
Haliburton led the charge with 17 points, three rebounds, and six assists. But the true X-factor came off the bench: veteran point guard T.J. McConnell.
Indiana’s spark plug
At a postgame interview, Haliburton didn’t mince words when asked about McConnell’s performance. “He’s unbelievable. I don’t even have words,” he said. “He’s the great white hope-that’s what we call him.”
The nine-year veteran continues to make his presence felt, especially on the defensive end. “He’s just amazing,” Haliburton added. “He just keeps going downhill to put pressure on the defense.”
Though officially Haliburton’s backup, McConnell is producing like a starter-averaging 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in just 17 minutes per game this postseason.
Do-or-die in Game 7
Now, the 2025 NBA Finals head toward a dramatic finish. With Haliburton, McConnell, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner all firing, the Pacers will hit the court again Sunday night in Oklahoma City, knowing it’s win or go home.
They’ve battled their way through the playoffs. One more gutsy performance could bring Indiana its first NBA title.
This news was originally published on this post .
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