Can McCain, Topić, and sheer energy steal a win? Rebounding and sharpshooting are crucial.
Oklahoma City travels to face Denver at 8 p.m. Central. The reigning champs clinched the one seed, so they are resting most of their players.
Jared McCain, Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, Nikola Topić, Branden Carlson, Brooks Barnhizer and Payton Sandfort will hold down the fort tonight for the Thunder.
Check out three key matchups for this contest.
Jared McCain’s Scoring
McCain has averaged 21.3 points per 36 minutes on 60.4% true shooting since joining the Thunder at the trade deadline. This level of success has come despite the fact that he’s rarely in a rhythm due to inconsistent playing time.
Plus, McCain often must restrain his skill set and take a backseat on offense. This will not be a factor against Denver because McCain is arguably the primary option and Oklahoma City does not care whether it wins or loses.
In other words, he can let loose and show off his scoring prowess. The sophomore is a dangerous three-point shooter but also has a smooth pull-up midrange jumper. If McCain’s efficiency holds despite the expected boost in volume, then Oklahoma City’s offense could be decent during his minutes. It helps that the Nuggets do not possess an elite point-of-attack defender to throw at McCain like Cason Wallace or Luguentz Dort.
Thunder’s Energy
There will be a considerable talent gap in this matchup, so the champs have to win the energy battle. Hustling for loose balls, pushing the pace in transition and being active as cutters are all crucial goals.
Oklahoma City especially needs to direct its energy towards rebounding with Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams all sidelined. Every player on the court must commit to boxing out and crashing the glass. Otherwise, Denver will vacuum offensive rebounds and rack up second-chance points.
Kenrich Williams will be a key player to monitor because he thrives at making winning plays via grit and energy. It's no coincidence that his nickname is Kenny Hustle.
Nikola Topić’s Playmaking
The Thunder’s offense may struggle to consistently generate quality shots with its top players resting. Can Topić save the day? He’s averaging 8.3 assists per 36 minutes and was mainly drafted in the lottery because of his passing and court vision.
If Topić sets up his teammates, then Oklahoma City’s offense could be better than expected in this contest (especially if the Thunder knocks down catch-and-shoot triples at a very good rate).