On Thursday, the Indiana Pacers won against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series, scoring 120-98. This victory secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. T.J. McConnell played a crucial role in the game by scoring 20 points, providing nine assists, and making four steals in 23 minutes. He was possibly the Pacers’ most important player. In addition to McConnell’s performance, Tyrese Haliburton, the star player, explained the reason behind his teammate’s exceptional performance in the series-clinching win.

During a recent interview after the game, Tyrese Haliburton revealed why he thinks T.J. McConnell played so well in Game 6. He said that McConnell plays better when his wife watches his game at the courtside.

“Yeah, I knew he was gonna respond, his wife Val was here, and I always tell him that he plays better when Val is at the games. He was a little down after Game 5. He didn’t perform how he wanted to. I just told him, ‘Hey, we’re gonna go home. Val is gonna be at the game. You’re gonna be better.’ And it happened, so shoutout Val!” Haliburton concluded with a big smile on his face.” Tyrese Haliburton said.

Tyrese Haliburton praised T.J. McConnell for his stunning performance

Valerie and T.J. McConnell have been in a relationship since high school. They got married in September 2017. McConnell started playing in the NBA in 2015 with the 76ers before joining the Pacers in 2019.

This season, he has been averaging 10.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. McConnell’s ability to score and create opportunities off the bench will be crucial when the Pacers face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

If the Pacers want to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, McConnell must continue to dominate off the bench. The Pacers and Knicks will play their first game on Monday night.