Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell made headlines before Game of the NBA Finals by arriving at Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center wearing a Phoenix Mercury jersey. The jersey wasn’t just any WNBA gear—it belonged to his younger sister, Megan McConnell, who had just signed her first professional contract with the Mercury earlier in the week.
The heartwarming gesture highlighted a special week for the McConnell family. Megan, 23, made her WNBA debut with the Mercury, scoring three points before suffering a knee injury that will sideline her for several weeks Despite her setback, Megan returned the favor by wearing T.J.’s Pacers jersey as her pregame outfit during the Mercury’s matchup against the Golden State Valkyries.
Both siblings have deep basketball roots, having starred at Chartiers Valley and Duquesne University before reaching the NBA and WNBA Their mutual support comes as T.J., 33, plays a key role off the bench for the Pacers, averaging.4 points and.9 assists in the postseason while helping Indiana secure a dramatic 111-110 comeback win over the Thunder in Game 1.
The McConnells are now one of just three active brother-sister duos in the NBA and WNBA, joining the ranks of Amir and Nia Coffey Their public display of sibling pride has captured the attention of fans across both leagues, adding an emotional layer to an already historic week for the family.
