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Mark Daigneault reveals why Jared McCain got the start in Thunder’s Game 5 vs Spurs
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- Mark Daigneault reveals why Jared McCain got the start in Thunder’s Game 5 vs Spurs
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain earned his first career playoff start in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs , and didn’t disappoint head coach Mark Daigneault. McCain finished with 20 points as the Thunder’s third-leading scorer in a 127-114 win at the Paycom Center.
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For Daigneault, McCain’s relentless approach led to an impressive second half, when the Thunder wrapped up a pivotal Game 5 to take a 3-2 lead over the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.
“We just thought he could give us some good stuff with that unit. Just based on where we are right now with a couple of guys out. And he did,” Daigneault said. “He was really good. His pop early was excellent, and he kept himself in the game. He had that flurry in the third. Then, a flurry again in the fourth. Great mental toughness. I never take it for granted when somebody steps into a role like in a game like this. But, certainly not surprised.”
Jared McCain scored nine of his first 11 points at the start of the second half before finishing with 20, including three triples and three rebounds.
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Is Jared McCain Thunder’s secret weapon for success?
Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
Thunder guard Jared McCain has been a seamless fit since his trade from the 76ers. Stepping into a starting role for the first time, McCain scored in double figures for the third time in six games against the Spurs, which have all translated into wins for the Thunder.
McCain has scored 20+ points in two of those three outings, including a playoff career-high 24 points in Game 4’s 123-108 win on the road, and his 20-point performance has the defending champions one win away from reaching the NBA Finals.
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