OKC Thunder Cason Wallace Start Game 5 Dallas Mavericks

Kentucky Wildcats guard Cason Wallace shines for Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA playoffs with strong shooting and defensive performance.

On May 7, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA, the Oklahoma City Thunder saw a standout performance from guard Cason Wallace, a former Kentucky Wildcat. Despite the team being led by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Wallace's impact was felt in their second-round series against the Dallas Mavericks.

In Game 4, where the Thunder struggled with their 3-point shooting, Wallace came through with two made 3-pointers in just 19 minutes of play. The team as a whole shot 7-of-27 from beyond the arc, with Wallace shooting a perfect 2-of-2.

Not only did Wallace's shooting help the team, but his disruptive defense on Mavericks stars Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic played a crucial role in the Thunder's victory in Dallas. The rookie guard, drafted 10th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, has shown up on the big stage and is rising to the challenge of facing some of the league's best players in the playoffs.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised Wallace's performance, highlighting his trustworthiness and ability to execute the game plan effectively. Despite Josh Giddey's struggles in the series, it may be time to consider moving Wallace into the starting lineup to bolster the team's defense and spacing.

With Wallace guarding Irving and allowing Lu Dort to focus on Doncic, the Thunder could see improvements on both ends of the floor. His experience in spot starts due to injuries could help him transition smoothly into a starting role. While it may be a tough decision for Daigneault to make changes to the lineup, Wallace's strong showing in the series makes a compelling case for his inclusion in the starting five.