Cason Wallace made a significant impact in his Western Conference Finals debut, contributing seven assists off the bench as the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a commanding 114-88 victory in Game 1. His performance garnered particular praise from teammate Isaiah Hartenstein, who likened Wallace’s playmaking abilities to those of the legendary Magic Johnson.
In the post-game press conference, Hartenstein enthused about Wallace’s facilitating skills, saying, “I’ve never seen him pass like that before but it’s been great.” This shift in Wallace’s contributions was highlighted by his typically strong defensive play complemented by an impressive offensive display. Wallace recorded three points, three rebounds, one steal, and a game-high +21 plus/minus in 33 minutes, which included a spectacular alley-oop assist to Hartenstein.
The Thunder’s strong performance was also buoyed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the team with 31 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, showcasing his scoring prowess right from the start of the game. Hartenstein also made notable contributions, scoring 12 points and grabbing five rebounds.
As the Thunder set the tone early, their cohesive team effort highlights their potential as they prepare for Game 2 against the Timberwolves on Thursday in Oklahoma City. This victory not only marks an impressive start to the series but also illuminates the promising talents of rookie Wallace, indicating a bright future for the young player and the team as a whole.