TJ McConnell made 20 points, two rebounds, nine assists, and four steals for the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs. Obi Toppin added 21 more markers, along with eight boards, two dimes, and a swipe. Both of them produced such numbers off the bench against the Milwaukee Bucks.
They also recorded at least five fistbumps during the postgame press conference, after the Pacers won Game 6, 120-98.
Their performance was enough for Indiana to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2014.
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McConnell admitted he struggled in their Game 5 loss, where he only made six points.
"Just trying to go to a different place competitively," he said. "I felt like tonight was one of my better games. I tried to force the issue a couple of games, hadn't worked out the way I wanted it to."
Toppin chimed in as the Pacers' bench outscored the Bucks' bench, 50-10.
"TJ actually helped me today," Toppin said as they shared a fistbump. "Told me to be aggressive."
And McConnell admitted that the bench shifted gear for Game 6, "All of us just had the mentality to go out there and go another level competitively. That's the bench I saw all season."
The 32-year-old guard definitely picked up the pace when it came to defense.
"Kinda just trying to make people as uncomfortable as possible. When we're up and getting steals, we take it to another level and run, especially this guy," McConnell said, pointing to Toppin, "Steps up the tempo."
He looked to Toppin to answer some questions, but it still fell to the guard to speak to the microphone.
"There's not many open guys in the NBA that can challenge him at the rim. He just takes our group to another level. He's a special player. To be able to shoot the ball, go out, and run, create mismatch on the transition, go catch lobs," McConnell said of Toppin, trailing as they share another fistbump.
"Appreciate you," the 26-year-old forward chimed.
A reporter finally called out Toppin, prompting a groan from him and a celebratory pump from McConnell.
Yes, it led to another fistbump as the Dayton product spoke of how Pascal Siakam's presence helped the team.
"Just because of the experience he has. Havin a playoffs like... what's the word?" Toppin said, moving to McConnell--who gave him an assist,"...experience. It makes a little easier to vocalize to the players on what needs to be done. We all listen. He's one of the older guys after TJ."
This prompted laughter from the media.
"I'm not even the oldest on the team!" McConnell claimed.
"Yes, you are," Toppin chimed. "Everybody listens to each other, everybody trying to get better out there, put in positions trying to be successful."
He couldn't resist sneaking one more rib at TJ, "Old man."
And it ended with another fistbump before they stood up to leave.
"We work at communication, we are collaborative with our guys. We make sure they have a voice. We're all in the whole thing together," said coach Rick Carlisle. "We're a true team, we're a group that needs each other. It's something Indianapolis can get behind."
The Eastern Conference semifinals will begin on May 7, Tuesday (Philippine time).
