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While Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated the team’s first NBA title since moving in 2008, Indiana Pacers from Game 7’s loss in the NBA final rolled.
It came down to one final game after an overwhelming match through the regular season and the fall season for both teams, but one should always come out victorious over the other. It was Home Thunder who ran away with it in the second half, and the feelings of the loss were difficult for some Pacers players, including the veteran guard TJ McConnell.
McConnell, who poured in 16 points, after Indiana lost Tyrese Haliburton for the game with a right Achilles injury, was clearly emotional when he left the court after the loss 103-91.
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TJ MCCONNELL, #9 by Indiana Pacers, handles the ball during the game against Oklahoma City Thunder during match seven of the 2025 NBA final on June 22, 2025 in the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The destruction of falling just short was still going in as he walked through the visitors ‘tunnel accompanied by Karen Ateson, Pacers’ Vice President of Player Relationships.
The two embraced as they walked towards the dressing room, and McConnell stopped to lean on Ateson’s shoulder to presumably let all his feelings out.
Thunder Blow Out Pacers in Game 7 to win the NBA Championship
An ESPN camera caught the moment, and Ateson did not appreciate it and shot away the camera while comforting McConnell.
“Stop, stop,” Ateson was heard and said as he waved with the camera away from her and McConnell.
Indiana Pacers watch TJ McConnell, #9, dribbles against Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Cason Wallace, #22, during the second half of the game seven of the 2025 NBA final at the Paycom Center. (Alonzo Adams Preferred Pictures)
McConnell also discovered that he shared a hug with Pacers Great Reggie Miller, who was in the Paycom Center, supporting his former team in Game 7. Miller, in the back halls led to the closet room, McConnell, who remained emotional after the game.
Pacers and Thunder traded on the offensive end when the game began, but Haliburton’s Achilles injury put a damper on what could have been a fantastic ending for him after hitting everyone except one of his four three-point attempts in the first quarter.
McConnell and the other pacers were tasked with picking up the slack, and although the 10-year-old veteran did his part, Indiana had problems with revenue and Thunder capitalized.
McConnell ended his sixth NBA season with Pacers after starting his career with the Philadelphia 76ers.
TJ McConnell, #9 of Indiana Pacers, looks at during the game against Oklahoma City Thunder during match seven of the 2025 NBA final on June 22, 2025 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
In this year’s playoffs, he was an average of 9.5 points, 4.0 assists and 3.3 rebounds over 23 games while shooting 53.7% off the field.
