Here are the top performers on May 31 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OKC PG 35 PTS | 9 AST | 3 STL | 62.3 FPS
SGA needed just three quarters to notch his seventh 30-point game of the playoffs. But despite the hot start, he slowed in the fourth quarter, finishing with just four points. Still, the reigning MVP has been outstanding in the series, averaging 25.9 points, 8.9 assists, and 1.9 steals on 40.9% shooting, and he should continue to dominate the league for a long time.
BREAKOUT:
Cason Wallace OKC SG 17 PTS | 7 REB | 4 AST | 38.4 FPS
The third-year guard was back in the starting lineup today, with JDub still unavailable, and he didn’t disappoint, posting a full stat line while recording his best scoring game of the playoffs. He particularly stood out in the fourth quarter, hitting 4-of-5 from three although it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Certainly, Wallace has been a major asset for the Thunder all season and that should only continue for years to come.
SLEEPER:
Keldon Johnson SAS SF 11 PTS | 3 REB | 1 STL | 19.1 FPS
Like he has done countless times throughout the season, the veteran came up huge on the scoring end. After going just 1-for-5 through the first three quarters, he completely turned it around in the fourth, igniting the team’s offense by knocking down a pair of three-pointers. The Spurs will surely need more performances like this from him against the Knicks.
ELITE ASSET:
Victor Wembanyama SAS C 22 PTS | 7 REB | 1 BLK | 38.4 FPS
Obviously, Wemby has produced much stronger performances in this series, but he still made a significant impact today, finishing as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder while also posting a complete stat line. Certainly, Wemby has been too much for the Thunder in this series, and he should be able to bring that elite form into the Finals.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Devin Vassell SAS SG 11 PTS | 6 REB | 2 STL | 28.7 FPS
Offensively, Vassell was ineffective today, hitting just 1-of-6 from three and posting one of his worst scoring performances of the playoffs. Regardless, his contribution has been significant for the Spurs in this matchup. He has been a steady threat from three-point range, averaging 3.0 makes on 39% shooting while also anchoring the team defensively, posting 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Julian Champagnie SAS SF 20 PTS | 6 REB | 1 STL | 30.7 FPS
Champagnie stepped up in a huge way in this matchup. Though he struggled in the first four games of the series, he came alive at the right time, posting two 20-point performances in the last three games. He was completely locked in from deep today, knocking down six three-pointers. The Spurs will definitely need this version of him against the Knicks, who ranked second in the league in perimeter defense this season.
STREAMER:
Dylan Harper SAS SG 12 PTS | 7 REB| 3 AST | 22.9 FPS
Once again, Harper was a major factor in today’s win. On offense, he was efficient, shooting 60% from the field for the second consecutive game while also knocking down two three-pointers. He made his presence felt on the boards as well, matching the team’s high mark in rebounds. The rookie has certainly become one of the Spurs’ most important players, and that should be no different in the Finals.
FLOPPER:
Chet Holmgren OKC C 4 REB | 2 STL | 2 BLK | 18.8 FPS
For most of the playoffs, Holmgren looked every bit like a star. But against the Spurs, he was unable to deliver anything close to that standard. Following several subpar performances, things went from bad to worse in Game 7, where he registered his lowest scoring game of the year. Unable to find his rhythm early, he struggled even further in the second half, finishing scoreless without taking a single shot—making for a frustrating finish to an otherwise excellent season.
