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T.J. McConnell saves the day for the Philadelphia 76ers

By David Rosen

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: T.J. McConnell #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 7, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Celtics 103-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: T.J. McConnell #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 7, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Celtics 103-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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With the Philadelphia 76ers down 0-3 against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, T.J. McConnell stepped up and saved the day for his team.

“T.J., T.J.” filled the Wells Fargo Center, as Philly fans were chanted for No.12, T.J. McConnell as he exited the game late in the fourth quarter. Facing elimination, McConnell put together the game of his life, saving his team embarrassment.

McConnell scored a career high 19 points, going 9-12 from the field, and one for one from three point range. The GOAT…err, I mean, TJ, dished out five assists, grabbing seven rebounds, all the while he helped the Sixers from being bounced in the NBA Playoffs in his first postseason start.

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Down 0-3 to the Celtics, 76ers head coach Brett Brown finally decided to put McConnell in the starting line up. What all Wildcats fans and Philly fans have been wanting to see.

Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he brings so much energy, excitement, creativity, hustle, and awareness to the game. All of that is what his team needed tonight to prevent the season from ending.

Tonight was no different! McConnell came to play tonight.

McConnell’s overall performance was “long term starter” worthy. Yes, there are the likes of Markelle Fultz and J.J. Reddick among others who are deserving of being in the starting lineup, but after watching what he did tonight how can he not be a starter?!

McConnell was on fire tonight. Dishing out dimes, knocking down field goals and even a three pointer, he is what most teams need come playoff time. Philly fans have a gem in No.12 and they were not shy to show their love for this guy!

Not only did he perform at a very high level in a high pressure situation, but he had a significant impact in the overall outcome of the game. When on the floor, McConnell had a plus/minus of +18 in 39 minutes of play. Passes like this one to Ben Simmons would be one of the reasons why. The precision passing he displayed on this play was a thing of beauty!

For someone to put in the work he has and to see it finally pay off is what it’s all about. Many even thought McConnell had no real chance of making it in the NBA. Well he has proved those doubters wrong!

McConnell was even trending on Twitter after tonight’s spectacular performance. Here is what some had to say:

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At Zona Zealots, we couldn’t be more proud of what T.J. McConnell has done so far in the NBA Playoffs. Hopefully he will be able to continue to be that much needed spark for his team for a long time to come! Bear Down.

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