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1h ago

Jared McCain’s Thunder Surge Puts OKC Up 2–0 on Lakers After Midseason Trade

His hot shooting off the bench underscores the value Oklahoma City found in a low-cost deal.

May 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) drives to the basket as Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) defends in the first half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
May 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) shoots a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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May 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) celebrates after a play against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Jared McCain came off the bench for 18 points in 18 minutes in Game 2, powering the Thunder’s 125-107 win and a 2-0 lead over the Lakers.
  • He drilled four three-pointers in Game 1 and logged a playoff career-high 15 minutes, giving Oklahoma City a needed scoring jolt.
  • Since the midseason move, McCain has provided steady offense, including 39% three-point shooting with OKC in the regular season.
  • Philadelphia sent him to the Thunder for a 2026 first-round pick at No. 22 via the Rockets and three second-rounders, a move tied to tax relief and a roster spot to convert Dominick Barlow.
  • McCain said the trade felt heartbreaking at first but that Oklahoma City has shown him “nothing but love,” and he laughed at Blake Griffin’s line that the 76ers “didn’t sell high enough.”