The Oklahoma City Thunder have been riddled with injuries over the past few weeks, especially with their ball-handlers, which has created an opportunity for this young guard in particular.
On Monday night, the Thunder snapped their two-game losing streak with a gusty win in Los Angeles over the Lakers. While the main storyline was Jalen Williams’ return, Cason Wallace continued his recent stretch of strong performances.
Cason Wallace is Breaking Out For the Thunder
In Monday night’s win, Wallace finished with 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting, six assists, four rebounds, two steals, and a block. Wallace has provided an All-NBA-level impact on a nightly basis, which the Thunder have come to expect from him. His offensive impact has taken a leap over the past couple of weeks.
Wallace scored in double figures for the third consecutive game, matching a season-long. He’s also scored in double figures in five of his past six games, including scoring a career-high 27 points on a career-best seven made threes on February 1st, in a statement in Denver over the Nuggets, which is the best stretch for him this season.
Considering the Thunder is in a current rut (17-12) after starting the season 24-1, if this stretch is maintained, it could be the turning point for both the Thunder later in the season and for Wallace in the long run.
With Williams just returning last game, and Ajay Mitchell and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out for every game during this stretch, Wallace’s comfort level as a creator and playmaker has stood out. Wallace is averaging 16 points on 53/36/83 and four assists in February.
What may be most impressive is Wallace’s playmaking. He has recorded four plus assists in four consecutive games, including his season-high of six against the Lakers. His previous season-high was five, which he’d done twice.
With Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell out through the All-Star break, this is a golden opportunity for Wallace to continue to get some developmental reps as the primary ball-handler alongside Williams for the final two games against the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks before the break.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
