The Sixer Sense
Fansided

A Triple Double for Philadelphia 76ers …T.J. McConnell?

Bret Stuter|
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: T.J. McConnell #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers encourages the crowd to get loud in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 108-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: T.J. McConnell #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers encourages the crowd to get loud in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 108-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia 76ers continue with surprising success. But on the day the team signs bench specialist Marco Belinelli, the team witnesses why T.J. McConnell is one of the best players on the team

The Philadelphia 76ers are no strangers to triple-doubles this season. Once as rare as diamonds on this team, the presence of point guard Ben Simmons has changed the perception of the rare and incredible feat.  So far this season, Ben Simmons has recorded five triple-doubles already, which is even more significant when you consider that he is an NBA rookie.

So the news that a Philadelphia 76ers player earned a triple-double in a game against the New York Knicks on February 12, 2018 almost automatically made fans think of Ben Simmons, again.

I didn’t quite catch that…, WHO recorded a triple-double?

Only it wasn’t Ben Simmons.  On this night, in this game, the triple-double belonged to T.J. McConnell. Undrafted third-year veteran point guard T.J. McConnell.

Wait… what?

It’s true. T.J. McConnell is the first player in 76ers history to come off the bench and nail a triple-double. Has it happened before in  the NBA? Some reports suggest it’s the first time it’s happened in the league.