Pacers staffer tells ESPN to stop filming an emotional T.J. McConnell after Game 7 loss in NBA Finals
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Pacers staffer tells ESPN to stop filming an emotional T.J. McConnell after Game 7 loss in NBA Finals
The Indiana Pacers lost 103-91 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Guard T.J. McConnell was forced into action following Tyrese Haliburton’s injury. McConnell delivered an admirable performance, dropping 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in the loss. The veteran should have another opportunity at contention over the next couple seasons, as he signed an extension with the Pacers in 2024 that will keep him with the team through 2027-28.
McConnell was forced into a much larger role following Haliburton’s injury. McConnell delivered an admirable performance, dropping 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in the 103-91 loss.
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Following the contest, McConnell was among the most emotional players on the Pacers. He walked off the court with a towel over his head, clearly struck by the loss.
The entire scene was captured by ESPN, which followed McConnell into the tunnel. Once there, McConnell was comforted by a Pacers staffer, who told the ESPN camera operator to stop filming the guard.
That staffer appears to be Karen Atkeson, the director of promotions for the Pacers. As cameras got too close to Atkeson and McConnell, Atkeson can be heard on the broadcast telling them to “stop.”
Atkeson is a long-time member of the Pacers, and has been with the team since 1997.
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It was a difficult night for McConnell, who was forced into action following Haliburton’s injury. While McConnell saw playing time throughout the playoffs, the Pacers leaned on him for 28:06 in Game 7. That was the most playing time McConnell received during the team’s playoff run.
McConnell put up strong numbers in the loss, but was also responsible for a team-leading seven turnovers. Those proved to be costly. The Thunder’s surge in the third quarter was largely the result of Pacers turnovers. Oklahoma City outscored the Pacers by 14 points in the quarter, essentially putting away the game thanks to giveaways by Indiana.
That likely made the loss hit even harder for McConnell, who is still seeking his first NBA championship. The veteran should have another opportunity at contention over the next couple seasons, as he signed an extension with the Pacers in 2024 that will keep him with the team through the 2027-28 NBA season.
Despite the Haliburton injury, the Pacers are still considered strong contenders to win the 2025-26 NBA Finals.
Pacers Staffer Asks ESPN to Stop Filming T.J. McConnell’s Emotional Exit
The Indiana Pacers lost 103-91 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. T.J. McConnell scored 16 points, with 6 rebounds and 3 assists, but also committed a team-high 7 turnovers. McConnell remains a key player for the Pacers, having signed an extension that keeps him with the team through 2028.
T.J. McConnell logged 28:06 minutes of play, the most in the playoffs for him this season.
He scored 16 points, with 6 rebounds and 3 assists, but also committed a team-high 7 turnovers.
While McConnell’s performance was commendable, his turnovers were pivotal in the loss, particularly contributing to the Thunder’s dominant third quarter.
The Pacers are still viewed as strong contenders for the next season, despite the setback in the Finals.
McConnell’s emotional display underscores the intensity and stakes of the playoffs for players.
With McConnell’s extension, fans can expect him to remain a cornerstone for the Pacers, potentially leading them in future playoff contention.
Even in defeat, McConnell’s resilience and growing role on the Pacers signal that he may be a crucial factor in their future success.