Thunder’s Chet Holmgren wants Jared McCain to take all of the shots after Game 5 heroics

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Thunder’s Chet Holmgren wants Jared McCain to take all of the shots after Game 5 heroics

Josue Pavon, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Wed, May 27, 2026 ·

3 min read

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Thunder's Chet Holmgren wants Jared McCain to take all of the shots after Game 5 heroics appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren applauded second-year guard Jared McCain 's relentless approach in Game 5's 127-114 win against the San Antonio Spurs . After Mark Daigneault gave McCain his first playoff start amidst the first postseason of his young career, he delivered, scoring 20 points as the Thunder's third leading scorer behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (33 points).

After the win, Holmgren asked a reporter about how many shots McCain attempted in Game 5 while talking about how McCain's been a spark off the Thunder bench since he arrived from the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of this year's trade deadline.

"19 of em? Atta boy," Holmgren said. "I think it's very impressive. He's somebody that works extremely hard, and he trusts his work. And I also think it's almost in his genes. That's just the way he processes the game. Also, he understands what his job is. When he's out there, he's going to fly around and play extremely hard, but he understands his bread and butter is putting up points on the board."

McCain finished 7-for-19 from the floor. Despite a slow start in the first half, McCain's confidence never wavered, leading to a 20-point performance with three triples and three assists.

Isaiah Hartenstein on Thunder's x-factor Jared McCain

Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein reacted to Jared McCain's Game 5 performance during his postgame media availability. Hartenstein revealed that McCain's bond with Thunder teammates formed instantly after his February trade.

For Hartenstein, McCain's chemistry with his Thunder teammates is a testament to Jared's personality, which resonates in the locker room and onto the floor in the second-year guard's first playoff appearance.

"I think he's a special human being," Hartenstein said. "Just in general, no one will change the way he is. I've never seen someone so happy every single day. It gives something to the locker room. I can't be mad looking at him, if that makes sense. He comes into the facility with a smile on his face every time. You just can't be mad. I think he just brings something off the court where it helps the moral for the team. Kind of similar to J-Will [ Jaylin Williams ], where it helps us a lot. He puts a lot of perspective on life, just being grateful.

"Then, on the court, he's so great at just being confident. It doesn't matter who he's playing against. He's extremely confident in himself, and I think it just gives us more confidence, too."

The Thunder will look to clinch an NBA Finals berth in Game 6 against the Spurs.

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