Oklahoma City Thunder continued to receive major production from its second unit in Game 5, with the team’s bench once again making a huge impact against the San Antonio Spurs.
According to Tim Willert of The Associated Press, Oklahoma City’s reserves have now outscored San Antonio’s bench 257-127 across the series.
Alex Caruso played a key role in that effort, finishing with 22 points and six assists in 28 minutes.
Reflecting on the importance of bench production, Caruso said, “We have good players on our bench. They’ve got good players on their bench. So, we know that’s an area of the game where you can try to find some positive plus-minus time for that group.”
Defensively, Mark Daigneault has also adjusted Oklahoma City’s strategy against Victor Wembanyama during the postseason.
While the Thunder frequently relied on smaller defenders against the Spurs star throughout the regular season, Ben Golliver of ESPN notes that much of that responsibility has shifted to Isaiah Hartenstein in the playoffs.
Hartenstein’s physical approach appeared to frustrate Wembanyama in Game 5, as the young star shot just 4-for-15 from the field Tuesday night.
Thunder Notes: Mitchell, Jalen Williams, McCain, Caruso, Hartenstein, Holmgren https://t.co/eCuWH61oz7
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 28, 2026
