Jared McCain Delivers Clear Message to Daryl Morey After OKC Game 3 Win
Jared McCain delivered his best game yet as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.
After falling into an early 15-0 hole, OKC stormed back to beat the San Antonio Spurs 123-108 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, taking a 2-1 series lead.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points and 12 assists, but the real story was OKC’s bench. The reserves erupted for 76 points, the most by a conference finals or NBA Finals bench since 1971, with McCain leading the way with 24 points in a breakout performance.
Speaking after the win, McCain addressed the man who traded him away from Philadelphia, former 76ers executive Daryl Morey.
"It's never to prove anybody wrong," McCain said. "I try to keep a positive outlook. I like proving my support system right … Daryl's still the guy that drafted me, so I'll always have love for him for that. He believed in me enough to take me at No. 16. So, I’m forever grateful for that, no matter what."
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McCain's move from Philadelphia to Oklahoma City quickly became one of the most debated deals of the ongoing NBA season.
The 22-year-old guard, once viewed as a key young piece in Philly's backcourt, was shipped to OKC for a 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks at the trade deadline.
The deal was so surprising because McCain had already flashed high-level scoring potential, averaging 15.3 points on 46.3% shooting in his rookie season before a meniscus tear cut it short, and had now just landed on what many already viewed as one of the deepest rosters in basketball.
Morey, long known for bold roster swings, eventually lost his job in Philly, while McCain has evolved into arguably the most critical bench piece on a team just six wins away from winning another championship.
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Now comes Game 4 back in San Antonio on Sunday, with the Spurs under pressure to counter OKC’s depth.
Victor Wembanyama delivered 26 points on Friday, but he didn't get enough support around him as the Thunder's second unit completely took over.
If McCain provides another spark in Game 4, momentum could stay firmly in the Thunder's favor as they push for a second straight NBA title.
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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 1:41 PM.