OKLAHOMA CITY — Cason Wallace, guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcased his defensive prowess with five steals in the team’s commanding 137-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. His performance has drawn comparisons to elite defenders like Lu Dort and Alex Caruso, a promising recognition for the third-year player who previously averaged 1.8 steals per game last season. This stellar start contributes to the defending champion Thunder’s impressive 7-0 record in the regular season.
Head coach Mark Daigneault credited Wallace’s improvement to the valuable experience he’s gained by playing alongside seasoned defenders like Dort and Caruso. “As time goes on, these guys gain more experience when they play against guys like Jordan Poole — they learn the league, they learn the pictures, their instincts start to grow over time, which I think comes from experience,” Daigneault noted. He indicated that Wallace has become more intentional in his approach to studying the game’s nuances, suggesting that his tight bond with Dort and Caruso has positively influenced his development.
In the same game, Wallace contributed 13 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting, including three three-pointers, while also providing one assist. His performance was crucial, especially as he stepped in for a sick Lu Dort. The Thunder’s 7-0 start matches their record for the best start in franchise history, underscoring their strong performance so far this season.
All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the team’s growth, emphasizing the importance of their experiences from last season’s championship run. Despite the absence of key players Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander believes the team has improved significantly. “We’ve had a year to get better, learn each other on and off the court, and it feels like we’ve had a head start in that this season,” he stated. He pointed out that the team’s depth has allowed them to adapt quickly amid injuries, contributing to their early successes.
Looking ahead, the Thunder is poised to achieve their best start in franchise history with an upcoming matchup against the Clippers on Tuesday, a game that holds promise as they continue to showcase their development and depth.