Jared McCain Puts Shooting Slump In The Rearview

Oklahoma City Thunder fans didn't have much to be happy about during Tuesday night/Wednesday morning's nationally televised game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The game tipped off at 10PM central, or in other words, just about bedtime for a lot of folks living in Oklahoma. Damian Lillard rewound the clock back to 2019 and caught fire against OKC. All the way down to splashing a patented buzzer beating logo 3 pointer over the outstretched arm of a Thunder defender. And Oklahoma City's four game win streak came to a screeching halt in blow out fashion.

There were, however, a few exciting developments for OKC fans. Nique Clifford, the newest member of the Thunder, made his debut and flashed his reputed two way versatility, energy and feel for the game. Aday Mara notched his second career double double, had a ferocious triple effort dunk over former Thunder center Branden Carlson and extended his streak of recording at least 1 block in every game. And though it mostly came when the game was already decided, Bennett Stirtz continued to show his offensive talent with 13 points on 5-8 shooting in only 18 minutes.

But the standout player and brightest spot for the Thunder in a mostly dejecting loss was the play of Jared McCain.

Just one week ago, social media comments sections were filled with worry about the OKC sharpshooter's scoring slump. Fast forward seven days and, all of a sudden, McCain's shooting woes are in the rearview mirror.

The 22 year old combo guard scored 21 points on 6-12 shooting including 4-7 from 3 against the Blazers. He scored 19 points on 8-10 shooting including 2-4 from 3 against the Washington Wizards. He scored 21 points on 9-14 shooting including 3-8 from 3 against the Memphis Grizzlies. In addition to the Opening Night contest against the San Antonio Spurs, three of his best four games of the season have come in his last three games.

Prior to lighting it up the last three games, McCain had shot a combined 1-22 from 3 in his previous four games. That kind of slump was never going to last long. He is too talented of a shooter and scorer.

OKC's offense is far more lethal when McCain is hitting from deep. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will score his efficient 30 points a night. Ajay Mitchell has proven to be a reliable second scorer. In the wake of long term injuries to Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace, the Thunder need a strong third scorer.

McCain is the team's best and most qualified option. Especially when the shots are falling like they are now.