Jared McCain gives Thunder another reason to smile as Victor Wembanyama struggles in NBA opener originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Oklahoma City Thunder didn't have to wait long for an opportunity to respond to the team that ended their previous season. Tuesday night's NBA opener brought Oklahoma City back together with the San Antonio Spurs, who eliminated the Thunder in seven games during the 2026 Western Conference Finals.
This time, the Thunder controlled the matchup.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points as Oklahoma City defeated San Antonio 116-104, opening the 2026-27 season with a statement victory against one of its biggest conference rivals. The two-time NBA MVP delivered the expected production, but another Oklahoma City guard helped create separation.
Jared McCain scored 20 points while connecting on six of eight attempts from beyond the arc. The former Philadelphia 76ers guard provided exactly the kind of perimeter shooting Oklahoma City needed against a San Antonio defense built around Victor Wembanyama.
McCain's shooting created another problem for San Antonio
The Thunder established control early, building a 21-point halftime advantage. Oklahoma City shot exceptionally well in the opening quarter and continued generating quality opportunities as San Antonio struggled to find an offensive rhythm.
McCain's outside shooting became particularly valuable. His six made 3-pointers forced the Spurs to account for another dangerous offensive option beyond Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder's established stars.
That additional scoring threat could become important throughout the season.
Oklahoma City already has one of basketball's most difficult players to defend in Gilgeous-Alexander. When supporting players consistently convert open opportunities, opponents face an even more complicated assignment.
The Thunder also showed they could handle the physical nature of a matchup that carried obvious playoff history. The game included a heated second-quarter sequence involving De'Aaron Fox and Chet Holmgren, with officials assessing a flagrant foul and technical fouls.
Oklahoma City maintained its composure and protected its advantage.
Wembanyama endured a frustrating opening night
San Antonio's biggest concern was the offensive performance of its franchise centerpiece. Wembanyama finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds but made only one of his 13 field-goal attempts. He missed his first 12 shots before finally scoring on an alley-oop late in the third quarter.
The Spurs center still influenced the game defensively, recording six blocked shots, but Oklahoma City made his offensive opportunities difficult throughout the evening.
Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 24 points, helping the Spurs remain competitive after their difficult first half. However, the Thunder's early advantage proved too much to overcome.
One game doesn't erase San Antonio's Western Conference Finals victory from last spring, nor does it determine how these teams will fare in future meetings. But Oklahoma City made an important opening statement.
Gilgeous-Alexander remains an elite offensive force, and McCain demonstrated that the Thunder have another player capable of changing games with his shooting. For a team seeking another championship, that is an encouraging combination.