In Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers overcame the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 116-107 victory, largely due to the performance of TJ McConnell. He was pivotal off the bench, scoring 10 points, dishing out five assists, and making five steals in just 15 minutes, marking him as the first player in NBA Finals history to achieve such a stat line. The Pacers showcased a strong second quarter, scoring 40 points and shooting 61% from the field, while also effectively blocking Thunder shots.
Despite struggles from beyond the arc, Indiana maintained pressure with aggressive penetration into the paint, led by McConnell’s defensive prowess. Both Benedict Maturin and Obi Toppin contributed significantly, adding 27 and 21 points, respectively. McConnell’s relentless energy and playmaking sparked the Pacers, especially noticeable when he intercepted three inbound passes.
As Indiana aims for its first NBA title, McConnell emphasized the importance of maintaining high energy levels amid the intense championship atmosphere. While acknowledging areas for improvement, he and the team are focused on maintaining their momentum heading into Game 4, fully aware of the significance of every game in the series.
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