SAN ANTONIO – Down 15-0 not even three minutes into Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Friday night, Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault made a pivotal decision to tap into his bench for the first time.
This strategic move marked a turning point for the Thunder, showcasing the depth and talent of their bench, which has been instrumental in their success throughout the playoffs.
In the current series against the San Antonio Spurs, the contributions from Oklahoma City’s reserves have been nothing short of remarkable. In Game 1, they scored 50 points, and in Game 2, they increased that total to 57. On Friday night, the bench exploded for an astonishing 76 points, leading the Thunder to a 123-108 victory and a 2-1 series lead.
This 76-point performance set a new record for bench scoring in a conference finals game since the NBA adopted the 16-team playoff format in 1984, surpassing the previous record of 69 points held by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985. The impressive show by the bench was crucial given that only two starters, MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 26 points and Chet Holmgren with 14, reached double figures.
The standout performances from the bench included Jared McCain, who notched a playoff career-high 24 points; Jaylin Williams, who hit five 3-pointers and scored 18 points, also a personal best; and Alex Caruso, who contributed 15 points, bringing his total to 63 in the series—his highest scoring stretch in the playoffs.
Remarkably, the bench accounted for 62% of Oklahoma City’s total scoring in Game 3, a feat that has not been achieved by any team in a winning effort during a conference finals game in the last 40 years.
Caruso’s entry into the game was particularly noteworthy, as he was the first substitute to come in after the Spurs jumped out to an early 15-point lead. His presence helped stabilize the team, and by the end of the first quarter, the Thunder had closed the gap significantly.
Ultimately, Oklahoma City not only overcame that daunting deficit but also secured a 15-point victory, demonstrating the power of teamwork and depth in their roster as they aim for a return to the NBA Finals.
