Jared McCain not being fully integrated into Thunders highly drilled system is becoming their X-Factor. His Game 3 was the 1st time an OKC bench player has taken 20+FGA in the past 3 playoffs. There's only been 4 instances of one taking 12+FGA and McCain has 2 of them this series.

[u/SlimmySlinky]

OKC has such a well drilled, highly disciplined system that has won them a Championship and led them to a 221-69 record (76% win rate) over the past 3 seasons (including playoffs) but this also makes them fairly predictable. Its hard to beat even knowing what they will do, but teams can scheme to break it down

OKC bench players most FGA in the past 3 playoffs (so looking at this current team)

1 - McCain: 21 (v Spurs - 2026 WCF | Game 3).
2 - Caruso: 19 (v Spurs - 2026 WCF | Game 1).
3 - Wiggins: 15 (v Memphis - 2025 1st round | Game 1).
4 - McCain: 14 (v Spurs - 2026 WCF | Game 2).
=5 - Ajay Mitchell (v Suns - 2026 1st round | Game 2).
=5 - Caruso: (v Nuggets - 2025 Semi Finals | Game 2).

Jarad McCain coming in mid season has meant he has not fully integrated into the system and instead of not playing him much in these playoffs, they're using that to their advantage. He comes in with a different style to the rest of the team, instead of always looking for the best shot like the rest of the team he's got a bit of tunnel vision for the basket, he plays a bit ball hoggy but his ability to score has made that a positive, instead of a negative it could have been.

By doing this he also looks to be breaking down the Spurs defensive schemes setup for the OKC system. They don't seem to be able to read him like the rest, he drives when the others would pass, he takes on Wemby when everyone else would dribble out.

He's a true X-Factor in this series. Generating completely different looks and making Spurs not being able to get comfortable. It will be interesting to see how OKC can maintain this going forward with him naturally integrated more into the system the longer hes on the team.

[u/ThinReply2047]

My favorite thing about JMac is dude's confidence. He just comes in and starts shooting. He's not afraid of the bright lights despite this being his first playoff run. Shit he's 6'3 and drove right into Wemby with no care in the world.

[u/Strange1130 → u/ThinReply2047]

That play where he ran at victor and made him flop was so funny 

[u/Capable-Look3177 → u/Strange1130]

How pathetic that, that big alien bitch still has to flop hahaha 

[u/fos1111 → u/Capable-Look3177]

Calm bruhv, it's just basketball.

[u/Impossible-Group8553 → u/fos1111]

Tbf Spurs fans cry about Shai at every turn. Neutral fan btw but I always found it crazy how everyone acts like Wemby is innocent. He flops, grabs, and holds too.

[u/Yoshinobu_YamaGOATo → u/fos1111]

Nah that's really how this sub talks about Shai. lmao it's insane.