McConnell replicated the Barria Miracle, Carlisle directed again, Pacers G6 beat the Thunder

Indianapolis, June 20, 2025 - The Pacers defeated the Thunder with a big score in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, dragging the series into a tiebreak. Veteran defender T.J. McConnell became a key figure, contributing 12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals throughout the game.

McConnell's performance is reminiscent of the 2011 Finals. At that time, the same short guard J.J. Barrea (1.78 meters) became the surprise in the series against the Heat Big Three in the Dallas Mavericks (now the Mavericks). He scored 17 points, 5 assists and 15 points, 5 assists in the critical game 5 and 6 respectively, helping the Mavericks win the championship.

Fourteen years of reincarnation, the small man becomes the key again

Interestingly, the director of these two miracles is the same person - head coach Rick Carlisle. In 2011, he coached the Mavericks, boldly activated Barrea and successfully changed the formation. In 2025, the Pacers he coached faced the powerful Thunder. When he was in trouble in the series, he once again chose to trust the "Energy Boy" McConnell (1.85 meters).

McConnell did not disappoint his trust:

G3: 10 points, 5 assists, 5 steals,

G5: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists (10 points in the final quarter)

G6: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, Carlisle said after the game: "Whenever the Thunder want to open the score, T.J will stand up. His desperate snatch and break through the ball, the data may not be fully reflected, but it really hits the opponent."

Carlisle's trust

Carlisle saw the traits of McConnell, just like when he saw Barrea. "He has a fire of competition, the spirit of 'I want to win more than you'. I saw the same light in J.J.'s eyes in 2011, and now T.J. plays with this light," Carlisle explained.

Tactically, Carlisle used McConnell's active running and off-ball ability to disrupt the Thunder's defense. At the end of the second quarter of G6, McConnell completed a key steal and assisted his teammates to make three-pointers, which was an important round to hit the Thunder's morale.

History Reappeared

After the match, McConnell was interviewed with his daughter in his arms, and the background screen showed photos of him and Baria in 2011 side by side. "It feels too unreal," he said. "J.J.'s story inspired many small players. And Coach Rick, he always gives you opportunities when you need it."

Barria also paid tribute to McConnell on social media: "Tail off the hat to T.J.! Coach Carlisle once again proves that on the basketball court, the size of his heart is more important than height."

Outlook tiebreak

From Barria in 2011 to McConnell in 2025, Carlisle once again relied on small players who were not favored to change the direction of the finals fourteen years later. With this big victory, the Pacers tied the series 3-3, and the two sides will play the final tiebreak final.