There are also top substitute point guards in the league on the bench. Are the Pacers overall strength seriously underestimated?

In a previous NBA Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks who played at home 114-108 again. After this game, the Pacers widened the total score of the series to 2-0. Next, they will return to home court to continue fighting. It seems that they have already gained an absolute advantage and initiative in this round of series, as they have won two consecutive away games.

In this game, the Pacers' substitute point guard TJ McConnell also maintained an extremely high level. McConnell played 14 minutes and 27 seconds in the game, made 5 of 8 shots and 0 of 2 from outside the three-point line, scored 10 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists, and had 1 turnover and 2 fouls, with a plus-minus value of +5. McConnell also has a stable output on the offensive end. He has won a lot of points without much playing time, providing considerable support for the team in scoring. McConnell's performance in passing and organizing offense is also remarkable. The team's second team can also stabilize the situation through his sorting and connection. McConnell's outstanding performance also helped Tyrese Haliburton get enough rest time to allow him to perform at a high level at critical moments. In such a key victory, McConnell's outstanding performance also played a decisive role.

In the NBA regular season this season, McConnell made a total of 79 appearances in 82 games, averaging 17.9 minutes per game, averaging 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.3 blocks, and 1.4 turnovers and 1 foul. His shooting percentage was 51.9%, three-point shooting percentage was 30.6%, and free throw shooting percentage was 74%. In the playoffs, McConnell averaged 16.3 minutes in his first 12 games, with averaging 8.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 0.3 steals, and 1.3 turnovers and 1 foul. His shooting percentage was 52.3%, three-point shooting percentage was 33.3%, and his free throw shooting percentage was 81.3%.

McConnell's data during the playoffs and regular season can basically be kept at a close level. His offensive efficiency is still quite good. He can also do his job well in not much playing time, and provide more support for the team in scoring and organizing offense. In recent games, since the Pacers' starters generally performed very well, McConnell could not have more playing time, but he also played his value in his limited playing time. It seems that the Pacers' lineup is not that strong, but when you look closely, players like McConnell can be regarded as the league's top substitute point guards, and their overall strength is much stronger than everyone imagined.