During Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, tensions flared when Pacers center Tony Bradley received a technical foul following a confrontation with Thunder player Isaiah Hartenstein. The incident occurred in the third quarter as Bradley attempted to catch an inbound pass from TJ McConnell. After Hartenstein was perceived to have fouled Bradley, he confronted him while trying to regain possession of the ball. In retaliation, Bradley threw an elbow at Hartenstein, which prompted the referee to call the technical foul.
Although Bradley hasn’t been a consistent presence in the Pacers’ rotation during the regular season or the playoffs—playing only 14 games in total before the Finals—he has made significant contributions in critical moments, including in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks.
Bradley’s journey to the NBA Finals has been particularly remarkable. He joined the Pacers in March after signing two 10-day contracts and has since been signed for the remainder of the season. Prior to this, he spent time in the G League and was drafted 28th overall in 2017 by the Utah Jazz, also playing for teams like the Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, and Chicago Bulls throughout his career.
In light of the experience that Bradley brings and his determination to seize this championship opportunity, it’s evident that every moment counts in high-stakes games. His resilience and tenacity could serve as an inspiration for teammates and fans alike as the Pacers strive for the ultimate victory in the Finals.