Cason Wallace Leads League in Steals, Eyes All-Defensive First Team

The Oklahoma City Thunder star discusses his defensive prowess ahead of a matchup with the Lakers.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:37pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors representing the intense defensive play of the Oklahoma City Thunder.Cason Wallace's relentless defensive efforts have been a key factor in the Oklahoma City Thunder's rise to the top of the Western Conference standings.Denver Today

Cason Wallace, the Oklahoma City Thunder's standout third-year forward, is leading the NBA in steals this season with 144. As the Thunder continue their push for the top seed in the Western Conference, Wallace has emerged as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders and is widely expected to earn a spot on the All-Defensive First Team.

Why it matters

The Thunder's defensive identity has been a key factor in their success this season, as they lead the league in defensive rating. Wallace's elite-level defense has been a crucial part of that, and his potential All-Defensive First Team selection would further cement Oklahoma City's status as one of the NBA's premier defensive teams.

The details

Wallace is averaging 2 steals per game, tied for the league lead with Ausar Thompson and Tyrese Maxey. His 144 total steals are the most in the NBA this season. The Thunder's defense as a whole has been stifling, ranking fourth in the league in steals per game at 9.6. In addition to Wallace, the team boasts other strong perimeter defenders like Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

  • The Thunder enter Thursday's game against the Lakers with a 60-16 record, the best in the NBA.
  • With six games remaining in the regular season, the Thunder are looking to hold off the San Antonio Spurs for the top seed in the Western Conference.
  • Following Thursday's game against the Lakers, the Thunder will finish the season with games against the Jazz, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, and Suns.

The players

Cason Wallace

A third-year forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is leading the NBA in steals this season with 144.

Alex Caruso

A perimeter defender for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has contributed to the team's league-leading defensive rating.

Lu Dort

A perimeter defender for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has contributed to the team's league-leading defensive rating.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A perimeter defender for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has contributed to the team's league-leading defensive rating.

Ausar Thompson

A player who is tied with Cason Wallace for the league lead in steals per game.

Tyrese Maxey

A player who is tied with Cason Wallace for the league lead in steals per game.

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What they’re saying

“It would mean a lot. It's nothing that you chase. But with putting together good games defensively, it would be nice to have.”

— Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder Forward

What’s next

With the regular season winding down, the Thunder will look to secure the top seed in the Western Conference and continue their strong defensive play heading into the playoffs.

The takeaway

Cason Wallace's elite defensive play has been a key factor in the Oklahoma City Thunder's success this season. His potential selection to the All-Defensive First Team would further cement the team's identity as one of the NBA's premier defensive squads.