Mar 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) shoots against Chicago Bulls forward Isaac Okoro (35) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

'He’s Always Ready to Play' – Oklahoma City Thunder Coach Raves About Jared McCain’s Consistency After Leading the Way Vs. Chicago Bulls

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 6:31 AM ET

Jared McCain was the Oklahoma City Thunder’s leading scorer in their 116-108 road victory against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, as the 22-year-old combo guard had 20 points, three rebounds, two steals, and four three-pointers on 8-for-15 shooting from the field in 25 minutes off the bench.

The team needed McCain’s production, as they were without their MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who took the day off to manage his lingering abdominal injury. With how McCain is doing lately, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s trade with the Philadelphia 76ers last month already looks quite one-sided.

“The word is consistency,” head coach Mark Daigneault said of McCain via The Oklahoman. “I just think he’s got a really consistent everything. He’s a consistent guy day to day. He’s consistently a great worker. He plays a consistent game. He doesn’t play outside of his game ever, and he’s always ready to play.”

Besides McCain, the Oklahoma City Thunder received meaningful contributions from Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, Jaylin Williams, and Chet Holmgren, who added 19, 18, 17, 17, and 12 points.

Oklahoma City Thunder News: Aaron Wiggins repays Mark Daigneault’s trust after drawing start

After scoring only eight points in his last two appearances, Aaron Wiggins took it upon himself to be aggressive in his start against the Chicago Bulls, and Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault took notice.

“He was good tonight. He was more like himself tonight. He was aggressive. He shot 17 shots, and I thought most of them were pretty good. We’re going to need everybody, and not everybody is playing their best basketball every minute of the season,” Daigneault said of Wiggins.

“It’s always ebbing and flowing, but we try to hang in there with our players and put them in situations where they can perform well. He did a good job,” he added.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: