https://youtu.be/QD0YPybtqe8
T.J. McConnell is just a guy. If you look at him, you can see that. Compared to the highly athletic, highly tall, highly muscular dudes around him, his just-a-guyness becomes even more apparent.
But this guy, who is just a guy, just got the first triple-double with steals since frickin’ MOOKIE BLAYLOCK IN 1998.
WHAT THE HECK.
It almost didn’t happen. McConnell picked up nine steals in the first half, then went most of the second half without getting another one. Fans of crazy statistical achievements were sitting on the edge of their seats, waiting for a Cavalier player to throw a lazy pass in McConnell’s vicinity, or for McConnell to body up a shaky ball handler and pickpocket him. Then, with just over a minute to go in the game, McConnell took advantage of a not-quite-pinpoint Dylan Windler pass to Collin Sexton, and it was swiped away, leading to a Malcolm Brogdon breakaway layup. In that moment, NBA history was made.
I always wanted to say that phrase in a video description and not be lying about it.
McConnell also went 8-of-8 from the field in this game, adding another layer of mystique to an already mystical achievement. It’s at this point that I would jokingly recommend a “random” drug test for McConnell (the hilarious implication being that his heavy-duty steroid regimen which involves many large needles getting jabbed into his butt cheeks gave him superhuman triple-double abilities), but the truth is, no amount of PEDs or human growth hormones could give somebody the defensive instincts necessary to get ten steals again. McConnell’s ball-stealing ability is totally 100% natty.
And the hype I’m feeling right now is totally 100% natty as well. I’m too afraid of needles to use steroids anyway.