McCain Scores 20 as Thunder Beat Spurs 127-114 to Move Within 1 Win of NBA Finals
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 27
McCain Scores 20 as Thunder Beat Spurs 127-114 to Move Within 1 Win of NBA Finals
14 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 27
20 points from Jared McCain — 18 after halftime — powered Oklahoma City past San Antonio 127-114 in Game 5 and gave the defending champions a 3-2 edge in the Western Conference finals.
The first playoff start of McCain’s career came only after Jalen Williams was ruled out about an hour before tipoff with a strained left hamstring and Ajay Mitchell was sidelined by a strained right soleus.
McCain tied Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 19 shot attempts after averaging 8.8 points in 12 playoff games off the bench, turning an emergency lineup move into a decisive offensive boost.
Game 6 shifts to San Antonio on Thursday, with Oklahoma City now one win from another NBA Finals trip and Williams’ availability still uncertain after missing 58 of the Thunder’s 95 games this season.
With McCain thriving, has 'Moreyball' been exposed as a flawed strategy in the NBA's modern era?
How did a simple salary dump by the 76ers become the Thunder's key to a championship run?
Did an AI-advised trade cost Daryl Morey his job and the 76ers their championship hopes?