{"id":194204,"date":"2026-05-06T08:36:46","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T12:36:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=194204"},"modified":"2026-05-06T13:43:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T17:43:36","slug":"jared-mccain-game-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/05\/06\/jared-mccain-game-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Jared McCain’s Game 1 Performance Shows Off Bigger Value"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a> was a shock, but he showed up for the Thunder as they made a strong statement to open the West Semis.<\/p>\n

From timely three-point shots to impressive assists, McCain played his cards<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Jared McCain’s Game 1 Performance Shows Off Bigger Value<\/h2>\n

The Thunder acquired Jared McCain at the trade deadline, sending away Ousmane Dieng<\/a> 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<\/a>. Considering that playoff rotations are shortened to ten players, it’s surprising that McCain got his big moment early in Round 2.<\/p>\n

McCain’s Burst Was the Hammer in Game 1<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, igniting what would turn out to be an eight-point swing for Oklahoma City.<\/p>\n

After a defensive stop<\/a> by Chet Holmgren<\/a>, McCain sprinted all the way to the same spot in the left wing, where Mitchell’s playmaking came into motion<\/a>. The two guards played hot potato for a bit, confusing a struggling Austin Reaves<\/a>, before McCain knocked down his second three in a row, firing up the crowd.<\/p>\n

\n

Stole it, swung it, scored it \ud83d\udc4c<\/p>\n

Your @OGandE<\/a> Power Play of the Game pic.twitter.com\/LoMBLqjDCa<\/a><\/p>\n

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 6, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n