OKC Bench Shines in Thunder vs Nuggets Showdown — Again

So far, nothing has been easy for him. But as SGA said, being able to step up when needed is their identity. J-Will proved that he’s ready to play at a high level whenever his number was called. The Thunder needed more of him, and he delivered big-time.

Jared McCain Proves His Critics Wrong

Back in Philadelphia, you wouldn’t see Jared McCain play more than five minutes. But in this Thunder win, he’s logged nearly 22 minutes of action. In the last 10 games, he’s had five games with more than 20 minutes, and he never played below 10. But perhaps the biggest standout here was that he was in the closing lineup for OKC.

You read that right. McCain drilled two threes to extend the Thunder lead to 121-113 under two minutes to go. He was also present on the defensive end, showing how his vast improvement on the other side has been with the team so far. His growth has shown that he is capable of playing heavy minutes for OKC.

Now more than ever, one can say that McCain is the greatest pickup by the Thunder in their recent trade deadline moves. His game continues to improve, and the fact that he’s still young makes him a perfect fit. McCain finished with 13 points with three triples off the OKC bench. That’s something he never saw in his time under Nick Nurse this season.

Ajay Mitchell’s Return Was Pivotal for the Thunder

Perhaps the biggest plot twist of this game for OKC was Ajay Mitchell‘s sudden return to the lineup. After missing 20 straight games due to an abdominal strain and left ankle injury, the Santa Barbara product dropped 24 points and was the third-leading scorer for the Thunder. He went 9-of-16 from the field and was absorbing everything that the Denver defense threw at him.

In 29 minutes of action, Mitchell proved why he was the best sixth man Oklahoma City could ask for. He was cutting left and right, punishing the Denver defense in the paint. If we’re going to take a deeper look, he alleviated SGA of the pressure that he would get had Mitchell not returned. With him on the court, SGA was able to come up with smoother playmaking, opening the scoring gates for OKC.

Oh, and Mitchell had the game-winning assist on SGA’s game-winner in the final possession as well.

Clicking at the Right Time

Injuries may have been a big problem for OKC, but they’ve also been a blessing in disguise so far. The team’s bench is elevating its play. While Mark Daigneault will have his hands full soon in managing their playoff minutes, it’s a good thing that the Thunder bench is sharpening its tools at the right time. It has led them to some of the most impressive wins of the season.

If there’s one thing that OKC takes pride in, it’s their “next man up” mentality, and they are definitely making the most of it now more than ever.