McConnell Reaches 3,000 Career Assists, Haliburton: “This Is Special”
Undrafted T.J. McConnell reaches the 3,000-assist milestone, and Haliburton pays tribute on X
The recent win by the Indiana Pacers at home against the New Orleans Pelicans will not be remembered solely for briefly stopping a losing streak that has otherwise continued to grow.
Stepping into the spotlight for the home team was Jay Huff, who poured in a career-high 29 points. But another milestone was reached as well, crowning what has now become a decade-long NBA journey for T.J. McConnell.
The standout performer of Game 3 of last season’s Finals crossed the threshold of 3,000 career assists, becoming only the second reserve player in NBA history to do so after Lou Williams. Like Williams, McConnell has made a career out of coming off the bench, yet often finishing games as a trusted reference point in tight, clutch situations.
The recognition didn’t come only from the fans and teammates on the floor. Tyrese Haliburton, the injured Pacers franchise cornerstone, also took to X to celebrate his teammate, eager to remind himself – and the rest of the world – that he shares the court with someone truly special:
Please don’t try to tell us this isn’t incredible! Undrafted, eleven years in this league… this is special.
The Pacers’ playoff run last spring had already confirmed one thing: chemistry – both on the court and in the locker room – is certainly not missing from this team.