Here are the top performers on May 21 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Victor Wembanyama SAS C 21 PTS | 17 REB | 4 BLK | 61.4 FPS
Once again, Wemby turned in an excellent performance. He not only led both teams in rebounding but also contributed strongly across all fronts. He also elevated his scoring, hitting three three-pointers and finishing with a playoff-high in assists. Even so, the Thunder did a decent job of slowing him down offensively, holding him below his season average.
BREAKOUT:
Devin Vassell SAS SG 22 PTS | 4 REB | 1 BLK | 30.3 FPS
Through 13 games in the playoffs, Vassell has been steady offensively, scoring in double figures in every game. Today, though, he took it up another notch, hitting a team-high six threes for his best scoring game of the playoffs. With how well he’s been playing, he should be poised for more quality performances moving forward.
SLEEPER:
Jarred McCain OKC SG 12 PTS | 6 REB | 2 STL | 29.7 FPS
Despite limited playoff minutes, McCain has still made a huge impact on the scoring end. This was especially evident in the Lakers series, where he scored in double digits and hit at least three triples three times. He did the same today and added more by contributing positively in other areas.
ELITE ASSET:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OKC PG 30 PTS | 9 AST | 2 BLK | 56.3 FPS
This was a much better showing for the MVP. He got off to a strong start today, recording 24 points and nine assists through the first three quarters. Though he wasn’t as effective in the fourth quarter, he still did enough to help his team even the series. He also finished with his fifth 30-point game of the playoffs, the most in the league.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Isaiah Hartenstein OKC C 10 PTS | 13 REB | 3 AST | 27.1 FPS
Though he failed to deliver in Game 1, Hartenstein responded in a huge way today, leading the team in rebounds while also posting his fourth double-digit scoring game of the postseason. With Holmgren struggling, the team will certainly need more of the same from him moving forward.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Alex Caruso OKC SG 17 PTS | 3 REB | 5 AST | 31.1 FPS
Caruso was excellent offensively in Game 1, and he carried that over today, shooting efficiently from all levels and finishing as the team’s second leading scorer. While he wasn’t as impactful defensively, he was able to make up for it with a brilliant playmaking performance. His scoring will surely make a big difference in this matchup, if only he can keep it up.
STREAMER:
Cason Wallace OKC SG 12 PTS | 4 REB | 4 STL | 34.8 FPS
Like he did in Game 1, Wallace impacted the game on both ends of the floor once again. This time, though, he was even more effective, hitting 4 of his 6 attempts from deep while finishing with playoff highs in assists and steals. With Williams injured, he’s going to be a far more important contributor in this series.
FLOPPER:
Stephon Castle SAS PG 25 PTS | 5 REB | 8 AST | 37.0 FPS
Despite struggling from deep, Castle has managed to deliver offensively, averaging 21 points through two games in the series. Still, his turnovers have been a significant issue, as he totaled 20 in that span and became the first player to do that in the league’s playoff history. Obviously, this series has exposed his limitations as a ball handler but with Fox and Harper injured, he remains their most reliable option.
