While they may not be the stars of their respective teams, two former Arizona Wildcats play huge roles for the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers in the 2024 NBA Playoffs – Aaron Gordon and TJ McConnell .
Gordon has been a force for the top-seeded Nuggets, averaging 15.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists through nine playoff games in 2024. After Denver lost the first two games in the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gordon was instrumental in pushing his team to two wins to even the series.
In Game 4, the athletic forward had an unforgettable night, shooting a superb 11-of-12 from the field (92%), including a perfect 2-for-2 from 3-point range and 3-for-3 shooting. Free firing line. Gordon finished with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks in the victory.
When asked about his unselfish play, Gordon credited teammate and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic for instilling that team-first mentality:
“If a three-time MVP can do it, I can do it too.”
– Aaron Gordon
On the other side of the bracket, McConnell’s Pacers find themselves in the same predicament of the 2-2 series against the New York Knicks after also losing the first two games. The scrappy point guard filled up the stat sheet in the postseason, averaging 10.1 points, 4.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game.
McConnell was at his best as he earned a double-double in Game 4, dishing out 10 assists, 15 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. The Pacers’ Energizer Bunny embodies the blue-collar, no-holds-barred attitude that has made Indiana a tough place all season long.
Although neither Gordon nor McConnell are the centerpiece superstars of their clubs, their complementary play has been crucial to their teams’ playoff success. Wildcat fans should be proud to see two of their alumni make a significant impact and leave it all on the court in pursuit of an NBA championship.
dark. ICYMI. TJM. Former Wildcat TJ McConnell helps propel Pacers to victory over Bucks
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