February 25, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) dribbles in the second half of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Image Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has only played in one game with Jared McCain, but the recently acquired guard has impressed for the Oklahoma City Thunder during Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence with an abdominal strain and during Friday’s overtime win over Denver.
Gilgeous-Alexander, McCain and the Thunder face the Dallas Mavericks on the road Sunday.
“As we can all see, he has a great shooting touch,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He will continue to get better as he plays in our system and learns more of our system. Yes, very good. He is really talented at basketball. He can grow as much as he wants to. The sky is the limit.”
McCain was acquired in a trade with Philadelphia on Feb. 4, the day after Gilgeous-Alexander suffered an injury that sidelined him for nine games before returning Friday.
Although the sample size is relatively small, McCain’s production increased significantly over nine games against Oklahoma City.
After averaging 6.6 points on 38.5 percent overall and 37.8 percent on 3-pointers in 37 games with the 76ers, McCain is averaging 11.9 points on 48.1 percent shooting from the field and 45.9 percent from deep since the trade.
But where McCain said he experienced the biggest growth was on the defensive side of the ball as he adjusted to the Thunder’s system.
“It helps me to have these elite defenders and be able to watch them play every day,” McCain said. “…I think if you focus on the defensive side, the offense will come.”
McCain made big shots, including a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, in Friday’s comeback win, giving Oklahoma City its sixth win in eight games.
McCain figures to continue to play a key role, especially with Jalen Williams out with a hamstring strain and Ajay Mitchell out with an abdominal strain.
Dallas enters Sunday’s game on a streak and having dropped 12 of its last 14 games.
Sunday’s matchup is the final between the three teams this season.
Oklahoma City had won the previous two games, including a 21-point win over the Mavericks on Dec. 5 in the most recent meeting.
The Thunder got a big boost Friday with the return of Gilgeous-Alexander, but Dallas is still without Cooper Flagg.
Flagg has not played since Feb. 10 due to a left foot sprain and is expected to miss at least two more games.
The Mavericks fell short of missing the flag in a 19-point loss at home to Memphis on Friday, playing without Marvin Bagley III, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington and Caleb Martin.
“With injuries, there’s definitely no continuity,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “I think we can get the body back as we move forward.”
While Oklahoma City is quickly integrating McCain, the Mavericks are still working on a new-look lineup after a deadline deal that focused on trading Anthony Davis to Washington.
“We’re learning on the fly,” Brandon Williams said. “…Trying to get to know each other in a short period of time is pretty tough, and it’s up to our point guards to try to take on that responsibility.”
Dallas waived Tyus Jones on Saturday and made a roster move. According to reports, the Mavericks are expected to sign Ryan Nemhard, who was on a two-way contract, to a two-year contract.
For the Mavericks, Sunday’s game is their last at home before a six-game road trip.
–Field level media
