
Turning the Western Conference Finals series completely around, the Oklahoma City Thunder won Game 3 on the road thanks to their bench.
Back-to-back league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points, but it was the Thunder's depth and bench scoring that led them to a 123-108 win over the Spurs in San Antonio.
In helping Gilgeous-Alexander, who only shot 35.3% from the field all game, just two nights after shooting 50% in Game 2, multiple role players put postseason career-highs on Friday night.
Jared McCain, acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in a midseason trade, went off, scoring a playoff career-best 24 points in 27 minutes. He connected on 10-of-21 shots from the field and sank a pair of three-pointers while bringing down four rebounds as well.
But the night wasn't just about McCain coming out of nowhere. Jaylin Williams also posted a postseason career-high of his own, recording 18 points in 22 minutes of action. His 5-for-7 night field goal-wise came with five boards, one assist and two steals.
OKC'S BENCH DROPPED 76 POINTS IN GAME 3!
— NBA (@NBA) May 23, 2026
Jared McCain: 24 PTS (postseason career-high)
Jaylin Williams: 18 PTS (postseason career-high)
Alex Caruso: 15 PTS
Cason Wallace: 11 PTS
Thunder win Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals pic.twitter.com/954MldKnMb
Alex Caruso did score 15, but the Thunder's bench was needed as Chet Holmgren scored below his season average (17.1 points per game) with 14 points and only logged three rebounds despite his 7-foot-1 frame.
The win gave Oklahoma City a 2-1 series lead, responding with consecutive wins following a double-overtime loss in the series opener. Having stolen a game on the road, the Thunder will now look to increase their series edge to a commanding 3-1 stranglehold on Sunday night.
Tip-off for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
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