While the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated their first NBA title since relocating in 2008, the Indiana Pacers were reeling from the Game 7 loss. The intense contest, which spanned a grueling regular season and postseason, resulted in the Thunder’s victory in the second half. The loss was particularly painful for McConnell, who had poured in 16 points after the Pacers lost Tyrese Haliburton to a right Achilles injury. McConnell was clearly emotional as he left the court following the 103-91 loss.
The devastation of falling just short was still setting in as he walked through the visitor’s tunnel, accompanied by Karen Atkeson, the Pacers’ vice president of Player Relations. The two embraced as they walked toward the locker room, and McConnell stopped to lean on Atkeson’s shoulder to presumably let out all of his emotions. An ESPN camera was capturing the moment, and Atkeson did not appreciate it, shooing away the cameraman while comforting McConnell.