The Oklahoma City Thunder’s bench was the standout performer in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, scoring an impressive 76 points to secure a 123-108 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. This win gives the Thunder a 2-1 lead in the series, bringing them closer to a potential return to the NBA Finals.

Record-Breaking Performance

Coach Mark Daigneault turned to his bench early in the game after the Spurs took a quick 15-0 lead. The decision paid off as the Thunder’s reserves not only closed the gap but also propelled the team to victory. The 76 points scored by the bench is the highest in a conference finals game since the NBA adopted the 16-team playoff format in 1984, surpassing the previous record of 69 points set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985.

Jared McCain led the bench with a playoff career-high of 24 points. Jaylin Williams, stepping up in the absence of Jalen Williams due to a hamstring injury, contributed 18 points, including five 3-pointers, also marking a career high. Alex Caruso added 15 points, bringing his total to 63 points in the series, the best three-game scoring span of his career.

Impact on the Series

The Thunder’s bench accounted for 62% of the team’s total scoring in Game 3, a feat unmatched in a winning effort during a conference finals game in the last four decades. Caruso’s entry into the game was pivotal, as he helped stabilize the team and diminish the Spurs’ early lead by the end of the first quarter. The Thunder maintained control for the remainder of the game, ultimately winning by 15 points.

Looking ahead, the Thunder will face the Spurs again in Game 4 on Sunday at 7:30 p.m., with the game airing on NBC/Peacock. This performance by the bench not only highlights the depth of the Thunder’s roster but also sets a promising tone for the remainder of the series.

Original reporting: KOCO Sports (Oklahoma City) — read the source article.