Game 7 is set, and the Indiana Pacers are still standing. After a gutsy Game 6 win, they forced a winner-takes-all showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder. While MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the story for the Thunder, Pacers depth defined their postseason run, and no player embodied that more than veteran guard T.J. McConnell.
McConnell remained a steady force off the bench, delivering timely plays and restless effort. In game 6, he filled the board with 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Moreover, he averaged 11.3 points,4.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 steals over the series, often setting the tone with his pace and intensity. His impact did not go unnoticed by basketball’s biggest names.
“You look at TJ McConnell, he’s not the tallest or fastest guy,” LeBron James said on Saturday during a live episode of his Mind The Game Podcast. ”But you don’t know what he’s going to do… He’s the KEY reason there’s a Game 7 tomorrow night.”
“You look at TJ McConnell, he’s not the tallest or fastest guy, but you don’t know what he’s going to do… He’s the KEY reason there’s a Game 7 tomorrow night”
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 21, 2025
– LeBron shows TJ McConnell love 🤝 pic.twitter.com/bhnCfBXHjx
Pacers will need every moment of that energy on Sunday. Facing a resilient Thunder team at home, the Pacers will lean again on their full roster, headlined by Haliburton and their relentless spark source, McConnell. With that grit and Lebron’s nod, the Pacers head into Game 7 confidently and firmly, ready to stun the Thunder on the road.
LeBron James Pokes New York Knicks’ Fan With Finals Hope
James turned heads at Fanatics Fest in New York by teasing Knicks fans with a final question, “Knicks fans, y’all good? You’re going to the Finals next year?” The playful moment filled the crowd and added momentum to the Knicks’ growing buzz after an intense Eastern Conference finals showing. With Jalen Brunson leading the way, optimism is running high in High York.
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But James also hinted at his own NBA twilight. Entering his 22nd season, he acknowledged the rise of talents like Victor Wembanyama, saying he can’t play much further. The comment sparked more talk about his eventual retirement.
As James looks to pass the torch, his words to the Knicks signal respect. For the Knicks, it’s more than banter; it’s a sign that their long-awaited rise may finally be real.
Also Read: LeBron James Shares Knee Injury Update, Reveals His Kids’ Influence On His NBA Future
