The Philadelphia 76ers were able to stave off elimination Monday, all thanks to the legendary T.J. McConnell.
The former Arizona Wildcat earned his first career postseason start, and had a career-high 19 points, 5 assists, and 7 rebounds as the Sixers beat the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals to make it a 3-1 series.
McConnell was 9-12 from the field and had a +19 plus/minus.
A “TJ!” chant rang throughout the Wells Fargo Center:
Philly LOVES TJ McConnell pic.twitter.com/c0k8OtToyI
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 8, 2018
Here are the full highlights from McConnell’s masterpiece:
And here are some notable reactions:
This guy @TJMcConnell wow!!!!!!
— Arch Miller (@Archie_Miller) May 8, 2018
Every time Tj has the ball something good happens.
— Allonzo Trier (@ISO_ZO) May 8, 2018
Let’s go TJ!
— Aaron Gordon (@Double0AG) May 8, 2018
T.J. McConnell is the MVP of this game.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) May 8, 2018
A spot in Springfield is being saved.....
— Eric Bossi (@ebosshoops) May 8, 2018
Hear me out: TJ McConnell max contract.
— Jawn Gonzalez (@_JohnGonz) May 7, 2018
Could not be happier for TJ McConnell. Great guy, proving he belongs in the NBA for many years to come.
— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) May 7, 2018
This is the TJ McConnell flu game except to the best of my knowledge he is not sick.
— Spike Eskin (@SpikeEskin) May 7, 2018
McConnell and the Sixers will look to extend the series Wednesday.