3 studs, 2 duds from the Pacers' season opener win vs. the Pistons
By Scott Conrad
Stud: T.J. McConnell
Statistically, the backup point guard did fairly better than the starting point guard for the Indiana Pacers. While Haliburton finished the game with 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists, he did so in 35 minutes.
McConnell played in less than half of the time (16 minutes) and scored 14 points off the bench. He also tallied as many assists as Haliburton and pulled in two boards, as well.
The 32-year-old went nearly perfect from the floor on Wednesday night. He missed just once during his eight shots, all from within the arc.
Haliburton had three turnovers and McConnell had just one. With a stat line like McConnell's the Pacers should not be concerned with the -9 net points with him on the court.
Indiana's backup point guard picked up where he left off last season as the Pacers boasted the league's best second unit. If McConnell continues to have nights like this, that accomplishment could happen again this season.