The Indiana Pacers are advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals after eliminating the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6 of their first round playoff series, 120-98 on Thursday, May 2 in front of their home crowd at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Pacers guard T. J. McConnell had an excellent game during the series-clinching win, and star Tyrese Haliburton shared a possible reason for his productive outburst.
"I knew he was going to respond. His wife, Val, was here. He always plays better when Val is at the game," the two-time NBA All-Star said in the post-game press conference.
Playing off the bench, McConnell delivered 20 points while shooting 7-of-9 from the field, including a perfect 2-of-2 from three point range and 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
The 32-year-old added nine assists, four steals and two rebounds over 23 minutes of game time.
T. J. McConnell bounces back after sub-par Game 5
McConnell was coming off a terrible performance in Game 5, where he only had six points and shot 3-of-10 from the field.
Haliburton made sure to lift his teammate's spirits up as they headed for Game 6.
"He was a little down after Game 5; he didn't perform like he wanted to. I just told him after the game, 'Hey, we're going to go home and Val is going to be at the game and you're going to be better.' It happened, so, shout out Val," Haliburton added.
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