We saw T.J. McConnell appear sporadically throughout the 76ers’ first round playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets. This development wasn’t unexpected - in the postseason, rotations tighten, of course, and minutes are recalibrated.
Also hardly surprising, however, was that over on the Sixers’ sideline, there was McConnell, constantly enthusiastic, doing his darndest to keep vibes lively.
Since the playoffs started, McConnell and many of his fellow reserves have been regularly taking part in full-court runs at practices to stay fresh. As McConnell showed in Game 4 of last year’s second round against the Boston Celtics, being ready in a pinch can make the difference between a win and loss.
To read previous installments of our Playoff Voices series, click the links below: