Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had high remarks to share about Jared McCain following the latter's clutch performance off the bench in the Oklahoma City Thunder's Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.
McCain is going through the second season of his NBA career, his first with the Thunder. He started the 2025-26 campaign with the Philadelphia 76ers before they traded him to Oklahoma City for draft picks.
McCain has proven himself to be a spark off the bench, and he came through big for the Thunder in Game 2. In 18 minutes of action, he finished with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Gilgeous-Alexander commented on McCain's performance after the game on the Prime broadcast. Taking into account Jalen Williams' absence due to injury, the next man up mentality was going to be present for Oklahoma City. The 2024-25 MVP winner saw that in McCain throughout Game 2.
“It's just a next-man-up mentality… Jared McCain was just big-time tonight,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
"It's just a next-man-up mentality… Jared McCain was just big-time tonight."
SGA shouts out Jared McCain (18 PTS, 4 3PM) after the Thunder win Game 2!
OKC takes a 2-0 series lead in Round 2 🍿 https://t.co/9Os4G0HlWQ pic.twitter.com/FVq7i9lfUD
— NBA (@NBA) May 8, 2026
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How Jared McCain, Thunder played against Lakers
Jared McCain certainly delivered off the bench, helping Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder take a 2-0 series lead over the Lakers.
Los Angeles was making progress as the team took a lead at halftime, something that Oklahoma City hasn't allowed at all this postseason. However, the hosts came alive with a 36-22 display in the third quarter and never looked back. As for the visitors, they turned the ball over multiple times and missed makeable shots that ended up costing them down the stretch.
Six players scored in double-digits for Oklahoma City in the win, including McCain. Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Chet Holmgren came next with 22 points and nine rebounds, Ajay Mitchell had 20 points and six assists, Cason Wallace put up 12 points and four assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein provided 10 points and nine rebounds.
The Thunder will look to take a 3-0 series lead when they face the Lakers on the road. Game 3 will take place on May 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had high remarks to share about Jared McCain following the latter's clutch performance off the bench in the Oklahoma City Thunder's Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. McCain is going through the second season of his NBA career, his first with the Thunder.