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Once upon a time, TJ McConnell was a 23-year-old undrafted playmaker who needed to prove himself in the NBA Summer League to secure a spot on the roster. Now he holds the NBA record.
McConnell was a thief in the Pacers’ clothes Wednesday night against the Cavaliers, racking up nine first-half interceptions in a 114-111 win. This set a new league record for one-half steals – an even more impressive feat considering McConnell didn’t even start the game.
The sixth-year point guard finished the game with 16 points, 13 assists and 10 steals, which is good for his second career triple-double. He was a shy steal to equal the NBA single game record and became the first bench player to record a triple-double with steals. He was also a perfect 8 for 8 on the court.
McConnell’s steals were about the only good thing the Pacers’ defense could do. Cleveland shot 51.8 percent from the field as a team but committed 26 turnovers. The Pacers shot 56.6% from the field, but were unable to convert their steals to multiple points – Indiana had just 12 points in turnover, while the Cavaliers had 35.
McConnell, who is playing in the final year of his contract, is averaging 2.0 steals and 6.8 assists per game this season, two career-highs, with 6.4 points per game. He’s shot 52.1 percent from the field over the past three seasons.
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