Former Sixers fan TJ McConnell sets insane NBA record originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Former Sixers cult hero and current Indiana Pacers guard TJ McConnell is known for his pesky playstyle and penchant for forcing turnovers in the backcourt. He’s the guy you love to have on your team and hate playing against.
And now he owns a really wild NBA record.
McConnell had nine steals – NINE – in the first half of Wednesday night’s game against the Cavaliers, setting a record for most one-half steals by a player.
It’s just insane. Here is a summary of all nine:
McConnell finished the night with a triple double: 16 points, 13 assists and 10 steals. What a ridiculous line from a player many didn’t believe he belonged to in his early days as a member of the Process Sixers.
And, while it may be surprising that he literally set an NBA record, it shouldn’t be too shocking that he made his mark in the flight department: despite averaging just under 25 minutes per game, McConnell is tied for second the entire league in steals per game at 1.7, which is tied for the best mark of his career with his second season at Philadelphia in 2016-17.
Only Jrue Holiday, who plays seven more minutes per game than McConnell, averages more steals per game, and McConnell is the only player in the Top 10 interceptions per game to play under 25 minutes each night.
His career has been built on hard work and turmoil, so it makes sense that McConnell would set a record breaking his butt for the entire first half. Which guy.
