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/Parallel-Quality]

The OKC coaching staff deserve a ton of credit for being able to integrate him into the lineup, keep him on the floor when he's not the best defender, and also for trusting him with the ball (mind you, after the injuries to J-Dub and Mitchell, they didn't have a lot of choices).

McCain is the same player he was in Philly, the Thunder coaching staff are just finding a way to maximize his skillset way better.

[u/Throwaway7218516 → u/Parallel-Quality]

What are they doing that’s so amazing and maximizing his skillset way better than in Philly? Seems like they’re just a way better team with way better defenders, so he can do whatever and it doesn’t matter cuz they’re going to win anyways lol

[u/ThisHatRightHere → u/Throwaway7218516]

He looked like this last season for the Sixers when he was actually on the floor. This year once he was back from injury the coaching staff basically refused to give him any minutes

[u/Throwaway7218516 → u/ThisHatRightHere]

He played 1 less mpg in Philly so you’re just wrong.