“Unmatched Grit: Jalen Williams Labels Pacers’ T.J. McConnell ‘Annoying’ and the Toughest Guard He Faced in 2025 NBA Finals”
During a high-stakes halftime huddle in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams didn’t sugarcoat what it was like guarding Indiana’s sparkplug T.J. McConnell. Speaking to the bench and later to reporters, Williams admitted McConnell’s relentless energy and disruptive playstyle were a nightmare on the court.
> “He’s just … annoying,” Williams confessed. “Special player, though. Always buzzing, running off the ball—we were like, ‘Bro, come on!’ But that’s what made it tough.”
McConnell, the Pacers’ crafty sixth man, consistently ignited bench runs with clutch scoring and stifling defense. His ability to create chaos late in games nearly turned the tide of the series—Indiana even forced Game 7. Despite Thunder winning the title, Williams’ truth bomb earned widespread respect, earning McConnell admiration far beyond his backup role.
Series-winner Ekpe Udoh noted, “McConnell shifted momentum in ways you don’t expect. Hats off to him.” Across social media, fans rallied around the underdog point guard, praising his impact.
Williams, who delivered a spectacular 40-point performance in Game 5 and later stood tall in Game 7 to win the title for OKC, credited McConnell as part of the reason the Finals became a true battle.
> “That series was harder because of guys like him. He took no plays off—and that’s respect.”
By acknowledging McConnell’s “annoying” strength, Williams inadvertently illuminated what it takes to win: recognition of every opponent’s heartbeat, big star or underdog alike.
A fierce Finals showdown remembered not just for the home run performances, but for a young superstar calling out grit where he saw it.
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