Jared McCain’s career-high playoff performance came with a message that reflected both confidence and perspective after the Oklahoma City Thunder erased an early 15-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 123-108 in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Friday night.
The guard scored 24 points off the bench as Oklahoma City took a 2-1 series lead at Frost Bank Center, helping the Thunder overcome a 15-0 Spurs start and a shorthanded lineup without Jalen Williams, who missed the game with left hamstring soreness.
McCain repeatedly returned to one theme afterward: staying calm.
“We knew coming into this game, especially at home for them, it’s going to be loud. It’s going to be crazy,” McCain said postgame. “But being able to weather a storm, we talk about it a lot.”
The Thunder bench changed the game after an early timeout by head coach Mark Daigneault, with Oklahoma City’s reserves outscoring San Antonio’s second unit 76-23. McCain said the response to the opening deficit reflected the group’s maturity.
“At that timeout I think they were up like 15-0 or something,” McCain said. “Just being able to be calm, be poised in that situation and give each other confidence, give each other energy, and know that we’re going to throw another punch and we’re going to come back.”
That mindset showed in his shot selection and rim pressure. McCain finished 10-for-21 from the field while attacking the lane against San Antonio’s size, including multiple finishes over Victor Wembanyama.
Asked about his fearlessness on the playoff stage, McCain credited his upbringing and basketball background.
“I think it just stems from when I was younger. My family gave me that confidence, my support system,” McCain said. “I feel like I’ve played in big games, whether it’s in high school or Duke.”
Then came the quote that defined his night.
“I truly love this,” McCain said. “I love what my life is right now and being able to play and contribute at this level. I never want to take it for granted. So whatever opportunity I get, I’m going to take advantage of it.”
McCain also pointed to his optimism as a shooter, explaining why missed shots rarely affect his confidence.
“I talk to myself a lot out there,” McCain said. “I’m talking to God out there and just having that belief in myself. No matter if I miss, if I go 0 for 10, I always feel the next one’s going in.”
“There’s that unwavering belief I have in myself,” he added. “I never get down on myself. Sometimes I’ll just smile. I love these moments.”
His impact extended beyond scoring. McCain helped stabilize Oklahoma City’s offense under pressure and created a key assist to Jaylin Williams during a four-point play sequence that helped swing momentum.
“Those are huge momentum shifters, especially getting to quiet down the crowd,” McCain said. “Got to celebrate with my brothers for sure.”
McCain also praised veteran Alex Caruso, whose 15 points and defensive presence helped fuel the comeback. According to the guard, the biggest lesson from playing alongside the veteran has been leadership.
“He does a great job of leading the locker room, being vocal,” McCain said. “For me specifically, defensively I’ve been able to learn from him.”
After being traded from Philadelphia earlier this season, McCain said he never viewed his playoff rise as motivation to prove anyone wrong.
“It’s never to prove anybody wrong,” McCain said. “I like proving my support system right.”
“Daryl’s still the guy that drafted me,” he added. “I’m forever grateful. It’s never about proving anybody wrong. It’s always proving somebody right.”
With Game 4 set for Sunday, McCain’s combination of confidence and poise has become a major factor for a Thunder team now two wins from the NBA Finals.
