Thunder’s Mitchell to Miss Third Straight Game; Williams Still Uncertain for Game 6
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San Antonio — Oklahoma City guard Ajay Mitchell will remain inactive when the Western Conference Finals resume Thursday night at Frost Bank Center. The rookie is listed as out with a right soleus strain, sidelining him for a third consecutive contest since suffering the calf injury last Friday.
Fellow playmaker Jalen Williams is again questionable because of ongoing left hamstring strain management. Williams was a late scratch for both Games 4 and 5, and his status is expected to be a game-time decision.
Lineup change sparks offense
Head coach Mark Daigneault inserted rookie guard Jared McCain into the starting five in Game 5, replacing Cason Wallace. Although McCain began slowly, his floor spacing helped Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren combine for 15 first-quarter points. McCain finished with 20 points in 33 minutes during his first career playoff start, and the Thunder totaled 127 points in the victory.
Bench continues to dominate
Oklahoma City’s reserves have outscored San Antonio’s bench 257-127 across the series. “We know that’s an area where you can create positive plus-minus,” guard Alex Caruso said after contributing 22 points and six assists in 28 minutes on Tuesday.
Defending Wembanyama
During the regular season, Daigneault often threw smaller defenders at Victor Wembanyama, but the primary assignment in the playoffs has shifted to center Isaiah Hartenstein. The 7-footer’s physical approach limited the Spurs star to 4-of-15 shooting in Game 5.
Holmgren on balancing ego and winning
Holmgren recorded his best outing of the series with 16 points and 11 rebounds in nearly 30 minutes. Speaking to reporters afterward, the 7-foot rookie emphasized placing team success over personal statistics. “Ego has been the downfall of many people’s careers,” he said. “Would I sacrifice what we’ve accomplished to take 20 shots a game? I don’t think so.”
The Thunder hold a 3-2 series lead entering Game 6, scheduled for 8 p.m. CT on Thursday.
Source: HoopsRumors
