OKLAHOMA CITY — The Indiana Pacers' run to the NBA Finals has been a thrilling ride for the team and its fans across central Indiana.

But for Pacers guard T.J. McConnell and his family, the championship chase carries deeper meaning.

McConnell's grandmother passed away last month while Indiana made its way through the playoffs.

"T.J. FaceTimed her and said goodbye, because he couldn't come back," McConnell's father, Tim, told 13Sports in Oklahoma City Friday.

McConnell, who is in his sixth year with the Pacers, is averaging 8.4 points and nearly four assists in 17 playoff games this season.

"When they beat the Knicks, I just kept saying to everyone, 'I can't believe my son is playing in the NBA Finals.' But it's been one heck of a ride," Tim McConnell said. "I was texting with T.J. t

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