Catching Isaiah Hartenstein's DHO in rhythm, Jared McCain drilled in another outside jumper. This time, it was from way deep. Even with Wembanyama's contest, the 22-year-old knocked it down. On the grand stage of Opening Night, he's proven to love the spotlight.
The Oklahoma City Thunder
absolutely bullied the San Antonio Spurs in a 116-104 win on Opening Night. They led throughout most of the contest and by as many as 26 points.McCain finished with 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, two assists and two rebounds. He shot 6-of-8 from 3.
You never ever have to worry about McCain being gun-shy. As the Thunder absolutely cooked the Spurs from the perimeter in the first half, he was one of the faces of the charge. Always on the move, his infinite range
has proven to be a weapon the Thunder can lean on in their second-unit lineups. And when he's on the floor with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he typically salivates at all the open looks he'll get simply from his gravity.
Once again, McCain was sizzling. He had 11 points in the first half. That was part of an effort where the Thunder surgically took apart the Spurs' top-end defense. His outside jumper was a staple in OKC's offense. They're all his now after the offseason moves they made this past summer. I don't think gluttony exists in his dictionary regarding that.
McCain has been awesome since he arrived in OKC. He's the gunner the Thunder have always had an eye on over the years. He's next in line. What an incredible way to start his third season. Not that long ago, he was fighting for his NBA life in the G League. Now, he's penciled his name several times in this legendary Thunder-Spurs rivalry.
"I love playing basketball. This is something I've loved since I was younger. Anytime I'm able to go out there and play," McCain said. "Like when I was injured, it was just the worst time ever. So just being able to be out there playing any minutes that Mark gives me, I'm happy and I'm grateful for. Being able to just play with these guys and teammates. It's really fun. Just fun when I play. It's good vibes."
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Jared McCain has ice-cold veins in OKC's win over Spurs: 'I love playing basketball'
