TJ McConnell didn’t just show up in Game 5 of the NBA Finals—he lit it on fire. With the Indiana Pacers struggling to find offensive rhythm, McConnell erupted for 13 points in the third quarter alone, capping his run with a dagger three-pointer that left the Oklahoma City Thunder stunned. That’s when ESPN’s Mike Breen revealed what McConnell had screamed after drilling the shot: “YOU HAVE TO GUARD ME!”
The veteran guard’s outburst wasn’t just passion—it was historic. McConnell became the first bench player in NBA Finals history to record 5 steals and 5 assists in a single game, proving once again that energy and hustle can turn the tide of a championship series.
By the 10-minute mark in the fourth quarter, McConnell had totaled 18 points on 61.5% shooting, sparking a furious Pacers comeback and breathing life into Indiana’s Finals hopes. As Breen dubbed it: “Finals McConnell” was officially born—loud, fearless, and unguardable when it mattered most.
(This is a building story…)
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