Cason Wallace impressed in his Western Conference Finals debut, recording seven assists off the bench in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 114-88 Game 1 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. His performance drew high praise from teammate Isaiah Hartenstein, who jokingly called him “Magic Johnson”.
Cason Wallace made his Western Conference Finals debut in style on Tuesday night, dishing out seven assists off the bench to help lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 114-88 Game 1 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. And at least one teammate saw something special in the rookie guard.
Player of the Game
Jalen Williams
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Jalen Williams
Points
Accuracy
Rebounds
Assists
“I came in the locker room today and called him Magic Johnson,” said Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein in a post-game press conference. “I've never seen him pass like that before but it's been great.”
“I think he can adjust to any role you give him. Today, it was more facilitating. You're always going to get his defense on a [nightly] basis, but today, he was amazing just passing the ball, getting guys open,” he added.
Wallace, known more for his defense throughout the season, showed a different side of his game with a confident, high-IQ performance running the offense.
He posted three points, three rebounds, one steal, and a game-high +21 in 33 minutes, including a highlight-reel alley-oop assist to Hartenstein.
The Thunder set the tone early, fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his aggressive start. The All-NBA guard shot seven free throws in just five minutes of the opening quarter and finished with 31 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. He shot 10-of-27 from the field and 11-of-14 from the line. Hartenstein added 12 points and five rebounds.
Game 2 between the Thunder and Timberwolves is set for Thursday in Oklahoma City.
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