TJ McConnell fakes hamstring injury after transition layup
The Indiana Pacers (15-43) are he is not overly concerned with winning games this season, but head coach Rick Carlisle still needs enough healthy players to finish the campaign. Veteran point guard TJ McConnell tried to give his teammates a brief scare during Tuesday night’s home game against the Philadelphia 76ers (31-26).
McConnell picked up a steal and went on an uncontested break late in the first quarter. At first it looked like he might dunk the ball, but instead he went for a layup. The 33-year-old suddenly stopped and appeared to grab his leg, illuminating the entire array. He smiled as he walked back onto the court, and so did the bench.
TJ McConnell blew a tire on this layup attempt and faked the Pacers bench by grabbing his hamstring, pretending to be hurt 😂 pic.twitter.com/HUT9sK6Ksel
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 25, 2026
The Pacers currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference, but still manage to stay upbeat amid all the misery on the court. McConnell has more than a decade of NBA experience and has been with Indiana since the 2019-20 season, so he likely takes it upon himself to keep locker room morale up to par. Leadership can take many forms, including self-deprecation.
The undrafted talent from Duquesne and Arizona gave the Pacers a good laugh, and laughter can be quite therapeutic when a team is stuck in the basement. The organization is more than willing to pile on the losses while Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and others recover, especially if it means securing the top pick in a highly touted draft, but taking regular beatings is sure to take its toll on players.
TJ McConnell is doing his part to keep the Pacers on the court. relentless, high-powered playmaker it has many layers, but above all, it is on the list to bring energy. Number 9 certainly accomplished that mission with his “old man” layup.
2026-02-25 01:46:00
