Jared McCain 'proud' ahead of Thunder playoff debut

Oklahoma City guard eager to make his first postseason appearance after trade from 76ers

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:04am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or playoff action, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors like deep blue, fiery orange, and electric green, creating a sense of energy and movement.The Thunder's playoff push is fueled by a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, creating a dynamic and unpredictable postseason matchup.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain is excited to make his playoff debut after the defending champions clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. McCain, who was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers during the season, says he's grateful to be part of the Thunder's playoff run and is looking forward to his first taste of postseason basketball.

Why it matters

The Thunder's success this season, including clinching the top seed in the West, is a testament to the team's depth and development. McCain's emergence as a key contributor after being traded mid-season adds another layer of intrigue as the team prepares for the playoffs.

The details

McCain finished the regular season averaging 8.3 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal per game while shooting 42.5% from the field, 38.5% from three, and 86.4% from the free throw line in 30 games with the Thunder. In the team's regular-season finale, a 135-103 loss to the Phoenix Suns, McCain had 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.

  • The Thunder clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
  • McCain was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers during his second NBA season.

The players

Jared McCain

A guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is making his playoff debut after being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers during the season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

An All-Star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who discussed the team's challenges and accomplishments in clinching the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the third straight year.

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What they’re saying

“I'm super excited. First off, I'm proud of myself for finishing the season. Almost. I guess the thumb injury was in the beginning. But after that, just finishing it out, and I was just telling them how it's crazy. I never thought I'd be here. But I'm just grateful to be here. Super excited for playoff basketball. I've watched it all my life, and it's going to be super fun to be a part of.”

— Jared McCain, Thunder guard

“It feels better for sure. Not only because we got to weather a little bit more. But just repeating something and doing it again is always was a little bit harder. It's a little more challenging. The league gets better. Players get better. For us to still have the best overall record through that, and ups and downs, speaks volumes to the team. Speaks volumes to the guys in the summertime—getting better individually. The coaching staff is getting better individually. We always say at the beginning of the season: no matter what happens, we have to earn what we get in the playoffs and in our seeding. And we earned the first overall seed.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder All-Star guard

What’s next

The Thunder will begin their playoff run as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, looking to defend their NBA championship.

The takeaway

Jared McCain's excitement for his first playoff appearance with the Thunder, coupled with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's reflections on the team's regular-season challenges and accomplishments, highlight the depth and resilience of the defending champions as they prepare for another deep postseason run.