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Former Wildcat TJ McConnell has career day in Pacers loss

By Eric Townsend

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 16: T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers reacts in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on January 16, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 16: T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers reacts in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on January 16, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – Putting up a career-high 29 points and dishing nine assists, unfortunately, TJ McConnell couldn’t help deliver a win to the Pacers. 

The 2022-23 NBA season is cruising right along, and so far, one of the most exciting young teams this year has been the Indiana Pacers.

And as fans of Arizona Basketball, many of us are invested in the Pacers as Indiana has a few Wildcats on their roster including TJ McConnell, and Bennedict Mathurin, the overall No. 6 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Currently sitting at 23-22 overall and in third place in the NBA’s Central Division, the Pacers have a chance to make the playoffs this season.

However, Indiana couldn’t overcome one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, losing to Milwaukee despite the efforts from TJ McConnell.

Now in his eighth season in the NBA, TJ has made himself known as one of the better reserve points guards in this league.

Initially earning his way as a free agent with the Philadelphia 76ers, the veteran guard has appeared in 523 games (86 starts) and is averaging 6.8 points and 5.0 assists per game for his career.

Well on Monday evening in Milwaukee as the Pacers look to upset the Bucks, Indiana put forth a competitive effort but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as the Pacers fell short, falling 132-119 on the road.

One of the few bright spots in that game was TJ who finished with a career-high 29 points on 11-16 shooting. He also added with nine assists, five rebounds, and three steals.

Mathurin finished his day with a very respectable 12 points and eight rebounds.

Overall, it wasn’t the Pacers’ day yesterday; however, the do-it-all point guard continued to prove his value in this league as a savvy and crafty veteran.

Even though Indiana came up short, we can still celebrate the career day from McConnell. Here are highlights from his game!

Related Story. Arizona Basketball falls even further in AP Top 25 Poll. light

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