PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There was one reason the Indiana Pacers were even in the game Monday night at Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals, TJ McConnell. The 10-year veteran scored 13 points in six minutes to get the Pacers within a bucket, but then didn’t play again until the game was decided.
McConnell’s impact not only felt on offense where he ended up with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Indiana was also a plus four when he was in the game.
If there is someone who is watching and not phased by his performance, it’s high school teammate and Steelers starter Christian Kuntz.
“It’s amazing, but no one is surprised,” Kuntz told 93.7 The Fan. “Anyone that knows TJ is not surprised that he’s played significant minutes in the Finals and he has a big role with that Indiana team.”
“Not surprised, he worked his tail off and has always been a ballplayer.”
Kuntz said when he played with the 6’1” McConnell at Chartiers Valley High School, it felt like he was a step ahead of everyone. There was an athletic advantage, but bigger was hit intellectual advantage.
“He would read passes and be able to do certain things other people weren’t be able to do,” Kuntz said. “When you played open gym with him, he’s an incredible passer, player, smart and his intensity is top notch. He doesn’t have a down switch. He’s always on go.”
“He plays like that, picking up guys, full court press the whole game. His defense, he’s amazing.”
Kuntz said he played a lot of pickup ball with McConnell, but when you play the McConnell’s, you play the whole family. His brother played at Robert Morris, sister is a Duquesne all-timer and currently in the WNBA, his cousins, dad and aunts. Aunt Suzie is one is one of the greatest female players in basketball history. He said those games were intense. That the McConnell’s don’t like to lose. It’s why he’s not surprised by any of it.
“As the competition elevates, he elevates,” Kuntz said. “That’s just who he is. He can play with the best in the world, clearly.”
If there is one issue with McConnell being one of the few WPIAL players to ever contribute in the NBA Finals, it’s taking family time away from Kuntz during the offseason.
“My wife is like, ‘do you have to watch every second’?” Kuntz said. “I’m like, I do have to watch every second, my boy is playing in the NBA Finals.”