T. J. McConnell delivers a win on Christmas Day
By David Rosen
Former Arizona Wildcat and fan favorite T.J. McConnell, delivered the goods on Christmas Day, helping his team to a 105-98 victory over the New York Knicks.
Philadelphia 76ers fans got a bonus Christmas Day gift, thanks to T.J. McConnell. He helped his team to a 105-98 win over the New York Knicks on the road, improving their record to 15-18. Even though the 76ers were on a five game losing streak heading into today’s game, that did not stop No.12 from giving his fans, city and teammates something to cheer about. What made it even more of a special day, was that he did it off the bench!
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In his third season with the team, McConnell is proving that he deserves to be a starter! Yes, they have remarkable All-Star talent on their squad, in the likes of Ben Simmons (who will probably end up being Rookie of the Year) Joel Embid and No.1 draft pick Markelle Fultz (who has only played four games due to injury). McConnell though provides that spark and energy that is much needed in a long and grueling 82 game season.
Today’s game against the Knicks, McConnell put up “sixth man of the year” like numbers in 29 minutes of play. He actually played two more minutes then starter J.J. Reddick! Again, how in the world is this guy not starting?
.@TJMcConnell records 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals off the bench. https://t.co/r5eAraMrl9
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 25, 2017
Former Wildcat assistant coach Joe Pasternack, showed his support and respect for McConnell:
@TJMcConnell honored the process every single day! https://t.co/E79I89nAIb
— Joe Pasternack (@Joe_Pasternack) December 25, 2017
Also, current coach of the 76ers Brett Brown had this to say about his point guard’s Christmas Day performance:
Brown on T.J.: "He was the MVP of the game. He wears his heart on his sleeve. I have a very antagonistic relationship with him. I coach him harder than I coach anybody. I'm so proud of him coming out of left field, being in the NBA, staying in the NBA and now playing in the NBA."
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) December 25, 2017
His intensity, athleticism and court awareness is on another level. To think, most thought this guy had not chance in making it to the next level. McConnell has proved those doubters wrong! Recently go90 Sports published a powerful Youtube video, T.J. McConnell: An Incredible Journey to the NBA. It’s only six minutes long, but worth the watch!
https://t.co/31kIOiGrMb
— TJ McConnell (@TJMcConnell) December 20, 2017
Everyone go follow @go90Sports
Thanks for making this awesome video to share my journey 👌
For those Wildcat fans who watched McConnell’s career at Arizona, it was very apparent the most of respect he has for the program and for Coach Sean Miller, “I don’t think I would be sitting here playing in the NBA without Sean Miller at Arizona. He is the main reason I am sitting here talking to you guys today.”
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At Zona Zealots, we are extremely proud of McConnell’s performance on Christmas Day. If there is anyone who deserves to be where they are at right now in their NBA career, it’s McConnell. He more then exemplifies what it means to Bear Down! I know it’s not even All-Star Break yet, but McConnell has my vote for Sixth Man of the Year!