Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now in dire need of assistance from Jared McCain in a win-or-go-home situation after both Ajay Mitchell and Jalen Williams are sidelined due to injuries ahead of the all-important Game 7 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Throughout the series, the Thunder have struggled on the attack with SGA as the sole offensive player. However, McCain has been one of the best sources of output for the reigning champions coming off the bench.

In six games, McCain has averaged 13.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists against an absolutely lethal Spurs defense that has affected all players' offense in the Thunder roster.

With the NBA Finals on the line, it seems likely that McCain will start in the backcourt alongside the two-time MVP.

The OKC is by far the best defensive team of the past two seasons, as the likes of Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, and Cason Wallace have kept even 7'4" Victor Wembanyama on lock throughout multiple occasions.

But the reigning champions are in desperate need of some offense, as SGA has also been kept silent at times, with the Spurs' defense going rough on him.

This is where McCain needs to step up with both teams' backs against the wall. Williams won’t be there to help him. Neither will Mitchell. And though he could still turn it around, Holmgren has been rough on offense this series.

McCain will need to continue bombarding the Spurs' defense with shots from outside the arc as he has done all series. Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, will have to find a way around Wemby to spearhead the Thunder's offense.

The two-time MVP had an off Game 6, but he was rather unfazed postgame and seemed already ready for what is the biggest legacy game for him with the Thunder.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Knows Exactly What Game 7 Means

SGA could only come up with 15 points in Game 6, and surprisingly went to the line for 3-of-3 shots. The Canadian has averaged 9.8 points off the free throw line during the course of the playoffs.

But with a chance to go back-to-back in the NBA Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander didn't sound surprised by the challenge. In fact, he suggested this is exactly what happens when teams make deep playoff runs year after year.

"They've a very tough team, really good team," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "This late in the season you're gonna play teams with this caliber."

The Thunder star understands that having the opportunity to win back-to-back titles is not a regular occurrence, with the golden dynasty of the Golden State Warriors last achieving this feat in 2018.

Game 7 has all the pieces in place for potentially a career-defining matchup for both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama.

So, who do you think will prevail between these two heavyweights to face the mighty New York Knicks in the NBA Finals? Let us know in the comments.

Read more about the Western Conference Finals at the Air Jordan Chronicles!

Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy