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Bench players set playoff career-highs in Thunder's Game 3 win
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7), guard Jared McCain (3) and forward Jaylin Williams (6) react in the second half during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Multiple bench players set playoff career-highs in Thunder's Game 3 win

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 was hot all game, setting a new playoff career-high in points

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.

Thunder's bench bailed out a poor shooting game from another star

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. 

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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