Three Thunder reserves have put together much-needed performances during Games 1 and 2 to help OKC tie the series.
After a heartbreaking double overtime loss in Game 1, Oklahoma City responded with a must-win in Game 2. These three individuals made some big plays when the defending champions needed them most.
Alex Caruso, Jared McCain, and Cason Wallace have been among the most important players through the first two games of the series.
Thunder Reserves Are Key For Rest of the Series
Alex Caruso
Caruso is off to an all-time role player series, doing everything and impacting the game in every way he can in the first two games, scoring a playoff career-high 31 points on eight made threes in Game 1. Followed up by scoring 17 points on three made threes, and dishing out five assists.
Caruso has been on fire, knocking down 11 of his 18 shots from beyond the arc.
Defensively, Caruso has been everywhere — generating steals, blocking shots, breaking up actions, and battling Victor Wembanyama relentlessly.
Caruso has been OKC’s most consistent player in the first two games, and will need to continue to step up for the Thunder to win the series.
Jared McCain
While the stat sheet doesn’t necessarily show high efficiency for McCain, his impact has been immense. Especially after Jalen Williams left the game in the first half of Game 2, the Thunder were in dire need of bench production and scoring, which led to McCain receiving extra minutes. He has made the most of the extra opportunity, making an all-around impact in the first two games.
Although he has only knocked down four of his 12 shots from beyond the arc, McCain’s gravity has forced the Spurs to focus on him on the perimeter, creating more space for his teammates.
Having someone who can and is willing to shoot from anywhere and create for himself is crucial. Especially if Williams is out for any extended period, the Thunder will need McCain to give a similar production in San Antonio.
Cason Wallace
The Thunder has forced the Spurs to turn the ball over 42 times, resulting in 55 points off those turnovers in the first two games. A lot of pressure was put on the Spurs guards, Stephon Castle in particular, who has 20 turnovers through two games, and the main catalyst to applying the pressure has been Wallace.
Wallace is tied for the team lead with six steals for the Thunder and has been a menace, making the Spurs’ guards’ handling of the ball a nightmare.
With the Spurs’ backcourt of De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper dealing with injuries, Wallace’s continued defensive pressure and ability to create turnovers will be key to the Thunder taking control of the series.
Wallace has also been impactful offensively, knocking down six of his 11 shots from beyond the arc, each seeming to be a momentum booster.
With OKC dealing with its fair share of injuries, Wallace’s production in Game 2, 12 points on 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, four assists, four rebounds, and four steals, is exactly what the Thunder will need for the remainder of the series.
Although the Thunder may be facing an uphill battle, having to overcome injuries as the series shifts to San Antonio, the contributions from Caruso, McCain, and Wallace are major reasons the series is tied and will need to remain so for Oklahoma City to advance.
Main Image: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
