McConnell Surprises Doncic, Who Sets NBA 3-Point Record in Pacers-Lakers Game

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McConnell Surprises Doncic, Who Sets NBA 3-Point Record in Pacers-Lakers GameSource: indystar.com
The recent Indiana Pacers vs. Los Angeles Lakers game featured memorable moments, including an unexpected play by T.J. McConnell and a historic achievement by superstar Luka Doncic, highlighting the dynamic nature of NBA matchups.

Key Insights

McConnell's Surprise Shot: Pacers guard T.J. McConnell, not known for his long-range shooting (entering the game hitting 31.1% on less than one attempt per game), drained a 3-pointer over Luka Doncic.

Playful Reminder: After making the shot, McConnell playfully patted Doncic on the rear as he ran down the court, seemingly reminding the defender of his capability.

Doncic Makes History: In the same game, Lakers guard Luka Doncic hit a 3-pointer, extending his streak of consecutive games with at least one made 3-pointer to 111.

Record Streak: This achievement places Doncic 5th on the all-time NBA list for the longest such streaks, trailing only Steph Curry (who holds the top two spots), Damian Lillard, and Kyle Korver.

Why this matters: These moments showcase both the unexpected contributions players can make (McConnell) and the consistent excellence required to reach historic milestones (Doncic) within the NBA.

In-Depth Analysis

In a game showcasing diverse NBA talents, two particular moments stood out during the Pacers-Lakers clash. Indiana's T.J. McConnell provided a surprising highlight early on. Typically playing closer to the basket, McConnell found himself open on the wing. Lakers star Luka Doncic didn't close out aggressively, likely playing the percentages given McConnell's season average of just 14-of-45 (31.1%) from three entering the contest. McConnell capitalized, sinking the shot and adding a lighthearted pat to Doncic, a moment reflecting the competitive yet sometimes playful interactions on the court.

Simultaneously, Luka Doncic was busy etching his name into the record books. By hitting a three-pointer in the first quarter, Doncic reached 111 consecutive games with at least one successful shot from beyond the arc. This remarkable consistency places him fifth in NBA history for this specific streak:

1.

Steph Curry: 268 games

2.

Steph Curry: 157 games

3.

Damian Lillard: 150 games

4.

Kyle Korver: 127 games

5.

Luka Doncic: 111 games (and counting)

This achievement underscores Doncic's scoring prowess and reliability as a perimeter threat since joining the Lakers, where he averaged 27.2 points and shot 36.5% from three in his first 18 games. The Lakers, however, were looking to break a three-game losing streak during this matchup against the Pacers.

FAQs

Q: What record did Luka Doncic set?

A: During the Pacers vs. Lakers game, Luka Doncic achieved the 5th longest streak in NBA history for consecutive games with at least one 3-pointer made, reaching 111 games.

Q: Why was T.J. McConnell's 3-pointer notable?

A: T.J. McConnell isn't considered a significant 3-point threat based on his career statistics. His successful shot over a star like Luka Doncic, followed by a playful gesture, made the moment stand out.

Key Takeaways

Expect the Unexpected: Even players not known for certain skills, like McConnell's 3-point shooting, can deliver surprising moments in games.

Consistency is Key: Achieving records like Doncic's 3-point streak requires sustained high-level performance over a long period.

Game Within the Game: Player interactions, like McConnell's pat on Doncic, add layers of narrative and personality to the sport.

Discussion

Luka Doncic continues his historic run. How long do you think his 3-point streak will last? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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