McCain's scoring and Topić's playmaking promise a bright future, injecting vital energy into the Thunder's rotation.
Despite being without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, the shorthanded Thunder defeated a rebuilding Nets squad by 19 points. Granted, it’s hardly a premier win given the opponent, but Oklahoma City’s role players stepped up.
Jared McCain led the charge with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field. He attacked gaps off the dribble relentlessly and created space in isolation with ease. The trade deadline acquisition also aided his teammates as an off-ball shooter by knocking down jumpers and keeping defenders from shading to the basket. McCain’s ability to hunt baskets when the offense is in the midst of a dry spell will be crucial during the playoffs. It’s a nice change of pace compared to the likes of Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace, who mostly make their marks on defense.
Meanwhile, Nikola Topić finished with nine points, three rebounds and two assists. It was only the second game of his NBA career, but Topić looked comfortable. He got to his spots inside the paint and generated great shots for his teammates.
Thunder Roundtable contributor Michael Martin asked Mark Daigneault after the game to expand upon the value of a player like Topić who brings flow to the offense, and Daigneault said the following: “I mean he’s a point guard. Basketball doesn’t have a lot of actual like pure point guards anymore. There’s unbelievable skill. But the traditional team runners, there’s not a ton of those guys. That’s what he is. He can run your team.”
In other words, the offense hums when Topić directs the action. It’s organized yet able to adapt. There is no panic in the air or overwhelming sense that the shot clock dwindles. A great shot is seemingly the most common result from a possession orchestrated by Topić.
It’s unclear how involved McCain and Topić will be in this upcoming playoffs due to their inexperience and Oklahoma City’s depth at guard. However, they are key pieces for the next few seasons at a minimum, especially given their contracts. McCain and Topić combine to earn $9.8 million next season and $14.1 million in the following season according to Spotrac. That’s crucial because Oklahoma City projects to be well over the second apron once Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams’ rookie max extensions begin this offseason.
Overall, McCain and Topić will be in the spotlight for the foreseeable future. Oklahoma City needs them to inject life into the offense until Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Mitchell return to action. Their next chance to shine comes against Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb. 22.