Cason Wallace said the Thunder’s defensive edge is coming from trust, depth and the freedom to pressure the ball, as Oklahoma City prepared for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals against San Antonio.
After Oklahoma City’s 123-108 comeback win in Game 3, the second-year guard pointed to the way the Thunder can move as one on the defensive end. “Definitely got a lot of guys that can guard one through five,” Wallace said. “So just being able to pressure the guys in the backcourt, knowing that I got help behind me. Even if I do get beat, somebody’s going to pick that guy up for me and I can just fly around.”
That freedom has been part of what has pushed the Thunder to a 2-1 series lead. Oklahoma City also got a major lift from its bench in Game 3, outscoring San Antonio’s reserves 76-23 while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points and 12 assists.
Wallace said the Thunder’s size, speed and collective effort make the assignment easier for everyone. “We’re all just moving around on that end. It gets fun. It feels good,” he said.
He also welcomed the recognition that came with being named to the All-Defensive team, calling it something he wanted to share with the people closest to him. “My support team is very happy,” Wallace said. “Just being able to share this accomplishment with them. It’s a lot of fun.”
Wallace’s comments also offered a snapshot of what Oklahoma City values most in the postseason: constant pressure and clear roles. The Thunder were without Jalen Williams because of left hamstring soreness, yet still found enough defensive stops and second-chance pressure to turn the game around after San Antonio’s 15-0 start.
Asked about Jared McCain’s recent production, Wallace said the Thunder were not surprised by the scoring burst. “He’s been getting buckets since he got here. So we weren’t all the way surprised by it,” he said. “He definitely had a big night last night and it was big for us. We needed that from him.”
Wallace also praised McCain’s mindset in a series that has turned physical and emotional. “He’s comfortable with who he is,” Wallace said. “Whether he goes out there and has a good game or a bad game he’s going to play as hard as he can. He’s going to try to do what he can to win. So he’s not phased by the outcome. He’s just trying to be the best player on the floor every night.”
The Thunder guard said Oklahoma City’s Game 3 comeback began with urgency on the glass and on the offensive end. “When the game gets to a start like it did last night we got to figure something out,” Wallace said. “Second chance points is something that could help us out. We need more possessions. We’re not scoring the ball. We’re not really getting stops.”
He closed with the kind of steady tone that has defined Oklahoma City’s playoff run. “But it’s a 48-minute game and once we get everything going that’s a good place to start.”
