"Just want to apologize' — T.J. McConnell offers emotional apology to Indiana Pacers fans after heartbreaking NBA Finals Game 7 loss
T.J. McConnell. Image via: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
The Indiana Pacers' dream run came to a painful end on Sunday night, as they fell short in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 103–91. T.J. McConnell stepped into the spotlight and gave it everything he had after Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined early due to an Achilles injury.
Despite a gutsy performance, McConnell's efforts weren't enough to stop the Thunder from claiming their first NBA title since relocating from Seattle.
T.J. McConnell thanks fans, expresses heartbreak after
Game 7 loss
with an apology
After the game, McConnell stood before reporters with raw emotion, addressing the Pacers' loyal fan base. The guard had delivered 16 points on 8-of-13 shooting, along with six rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block, all in 28 intense minutes. But McConnell believed that he owed an apology to the people of Indiana.
"They're absolutely incredible," McConnell said, referring to Pacers fans. "Just want to apologize for coming up short. We wouldn't be in this position without em'. They've willed us to a lot of wins, and it's an honor and a pleasure to play in front of them."
The Pacers' faithful had shown up all season, and McConnell made it clear their presence never went unnoticed.
Pacers forward Pascal Siakam also shared his emotions following the game.
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'We're sorry, you know. We wanted to do it for Indy. We wanted it more than anything — just for the city, for the state, just [because] they deserve it,' Siakam said.
'These guys sleep, breathe basketball, and it was refreshing for me to be in that environment and to see how much basketball means to [this] group of people.'
The pain of losing Game 7 was made even heavier. As McConnell walked through the tunnel, cameras followed, capturing an intimate moment of comfort. A woman—later identified not as his mother, but Karen Atkeson, the team's vice president of player relations— stepped in to block the camera from getting too close (per Sports Illustrator). That small act of protection quickly went viral, capturing the human side of sport.
Also Read:
'Stop' — T.J. McConnell's mom shields emotional son from ESPN cameras after Indiana Pacers' crushing NBA Finals loss
Though the Pacers missed out on their first title, McConnell's words and performance gave fans a consolation for the team's hard work.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
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