Pacers staffer tells ESPN cameras to back off heartbroken TJ McConnell in gutting NBA Finals scene

One member of the Pacers staff wasn’t having it when ESPN cameras filmed TJ McConnell crying in her arms after .

ESPN cameras followed McConnell into the tunnel at OKC’s Paycom Center, where the blonde, who appeared to be with the team, was waiting to console him privately after Indiana’s 103-91 defeat at the hands of the Thunder.

“Stop!” she said as she put her hand up to the camera.

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Eventually, they backed off.

McConnell also received support from Pacers alum Reggie Miller, who was waiting to console the team in the back hallways at Paycom Center.

The veteran guard — who stepped up when Tyrese Haliburton went down with an Achilles injury — was crying in Miller’s arms, as seen in a social media video.

McConnell finished with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists.

The Pacers will be faced with a decision at the point guard position if Haliburton misses the entirety of the 2025-26 season.

McConnell proved himself a worthy candidate with his strong performance in the Pacers’ postseason run, which included upsets of the Cavaliers and Knicks, and came up one win short of a championship.