Jared McCain, after Thunder practice: "My mental's great. My physical's great. Body feels great." He sees his role as spacing and "finding windows" for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell when doubled; his confidence, he says, doesn't hinge on minutes.
The Thunder started Josh Dix in the second half with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Aday Mara. "We wanted to see him with the returning rotation players," Mark Daigneault said. Otega Oweh was hurt in overtime, his second setback; no status given.
Jared McCain on why Thunder teammates bring the ball up for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: "he's always guarded by the best player. When he has to take the ball up, he's getting tired." Mark Daigneault lets McCain take tough shots, but "when you take a bad one, he'll let you know."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace travel but rest Oct. 6 after a high-intensity camp day, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said; all six play Oct. 7. Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber also sit, "still limited."
"He laid the foundation for what we stand on now." Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said Russell Westbrook's retirement was a little shocking because he felt Westbrook had more left, and credited him with building the franchise and the city.