Oklahoma City - Thunder's New Star Shines in Win Over Nets
In a thrilling display, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain stepped up to score a season-high 21 points, leading his team to a 105-86 victory against the Brooklyn Nets. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined for the sixth consecutive game, McCain took charge, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Thunder.
McCain's standout performance was capped off with a unique initiation tradition for the Thunder's new players. During his first walk-off interview, McCain debuted his postgame bark, a fun ritual started by Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams that has quickly become a fan favorite.
Jared McCain barking in his Thunder postgame interview 😂 pic.twitter.com/tdMDjD7PqZ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 21, 2026
Despite missing key players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, who are expected to be out for the next one to two weeks, head coach Mark Daigneault praised his team for their resilience. The Thunder's defense was particularly impressive, holding the Nets to just 10 points in the second quarter and finding their offensive groove in the latter half of the game.
Daigneault acknowledged the challenges posed by the absence of primary on-ball creators like Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell, which forced the team to adapt their strategy on the fly. "We're obviously missing some on-ball creators.
So, the way we're trying to create advantages is different right now," Daigneault explained. He noted the team's ability to generate effective plays, despite a high turnover rate and the struggle to establish a consistent offensive rhythm.
The focus now is on building collective strength and developing offensive habits as the Thunder prepare to host the Cleveland Cavaliers in a Sunday matinee. With McCain's emergence and the team's adaptability, the Thunder are showing they can hold their own, even when faced with adversity.