Oklahoma Metropolis guard Jared McCain's basketball profession is extra treasured to him after knee and thumb accidents plagued his first two seasons.
"I like taking part in basketball," he stated. "That is one thing I've liked since I used to be youthful. After I was injured, it was simply the worst time ever. So having the ability to be on the market taking part in any minutes (Thunder coach) Mark (Daigneault) offers me, I'm joyful and I'm grateful for it. And having the ability to play with these guys, my teammates, it's actually enjoyable on the market.
"I simply have enjoyable after I play. It's good vibes."
McCain created loads of "good vibes" for Oklahoma Metropolis on Tuesday night time, when he linked on 6 of 8 from 3-point vary on his approach to scoring 20 factors in 22 minutes off the bench within the Thunder's 116-104 season-opening victory over the Spurs.
The Spurs completed final season ranked eighth within the league in opponents' 3-point effectivity, holding foes to 35.2% from past the arc.
However there wasn't a carryover from that sturdy effort into the 2026-27 opener on the Frost Financial institution Heart.
Sparked by McCain, Oklahoma Metropolis hit 45.2% from lengthy vary (14 of 31).
"Simply not operating them off the road, not closing to the touch, particularly early," Stephon Citadel stated when requested what went improper for the Spurs out on the perimeter. "That's how they acquired up on us sort of early."
The Thunder led 65-44 at halftime after main by as many as 26 factors within the first half. McCain went into the break with 11 factors on the energy of three of 4 from lengthy vary.
As a group, Oklahoma Metropolis hit 10 of 14 from 3-point territory within the first half (71.4%).
Spurs All-Star heart Victor Wembanyama stated a number of components led to the sub-par defensive exhibiting.
"I feel there have been some occasions the place we had been actually, actually good and we (didn't) end the possession," the 2026 Defensive Participant of the Yr stated. "Generally there (had been) moments after we gave them two offensive boards on the identical place, or we play nice protection, get the ball off of their sizzling guys, and (then) we barely do a closeout or we do a foul closeout or we miscommunicate.
"It's like they had been taking part in the proper method. I'm positive they had been having enjoyable tonight. They had been making the additional go and we weren't making the additional effort."
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