With Game 1 of the Thunder-Lakers series going to the defending champs, fans are now expecting to see more from OKC heading into Game 2. There were plenty of highlights from both sides. Witnessing a Game 1 barrage from Jared McCain was a shock, but he showed up for the Thunder as they made a strong statement to open the West Semis.
From timely three-point shots to impressive assists, McCain played his cards right and showed he has what it takes to take on the playoff stage. In fact, he drilled the most threes from a Thunder player in the win, showing how much value he has coming off the bench for the defending champs.
Jared McCain’s Game 1 Performance Shows Off Bigger Value
The Thunder acquired Jared McCain at the trade deadline, sending away Ousmane Dieng to open up a roster spot for the former Philadelphia 76ers guard. Many doubted he would even find minutes on a very talented Oklahoma City bench. Considering that playoff rotations are shortened to ten players, it’s surprising that McCain got his big moment early in Round 2.
McCain’s Burst Was the Hammer in Game 1
In the early minutes of the fourth quarter, the Lakers were still hanging around like pests waiting to be stomped off. The Thunder had to shake off the rust after a long rest, to the point that this win was still disappointing, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a rare off-night. The reigning MVP logged 18 points, six assists and seven turnovers in 35 minutes. As a result, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault had to call on his bench to make a run.
With the Thunder leading 88-75 with less than 10 minutes to play, LA was definitely within striking distance. But McCain drilled a spot-up three off a pass from Ajay Mitchell, igniting what would turn out to be an eight-point swing for Oklahoma City.
After a defensive stop by Chet Holmgren, McCain sprinted all the way to the same spot in the left wing, where Mitchell’s playmaking came into motion. The two guards played hot potato for a bit, confusing a struggling Austin Reaves, before McCain knocked down his second three in a row, firing up the crowd.
Stole it, swung it, scored it 👌
Your @OGandE Power Play of the Game pic.twitter.com/LoMBLqjDCa
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 6, 2026
McCain would later reward Holmgren with a quick pass to make it 96-77 with eight minutes to play. That run was eventually capped off with another McCain triple to push the lead to 101-82, putting the game out of the Lakers’ reach.
Jared McCain Was Better Than the Sixers’ Bench in Game 1
By the end of the Thunder’s win, McCain posted 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three. He also had two assists in his 15 minutes off the bench. What’s funny is that he made as many 3s than the whole Sixers bench in their Game 1 loss to the Knicks.
This just shows how valuable McCain is, and how Philadelphia failed to utilize him while he was there.
Expect Bigger McCain Minutes vs the Lakers
As Oklahoma City makes adjustments for Game 2, McCain’s workload should increase as well. He logged the fourth-most minutes of OKC’s reserves, just behind Jaylin Williams, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace. Those three are key defenders for the Thunder, and they also combined for 13 points, one more than what McCain logged.
Of course, every game has a different approach. McCain just so happened to be a lethal weapon for OKC on Tuesday night. Who knows, maybe the Thunder can activate him again Thursday, when they are expected to play even better.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
