Unc, Ocho & Iso Joe react to WCF Game 5: Wemby & Spurs vs SGA & Thunder | Nightcap

The Thunder's victory was largely due to key contributions from role players like Alex Caruso (22 points, 6 assists, 3 steals) and Jared McCain (20 points in his first start), who provided consistent scoring. Crucially, Isaiah Hartenstein's defensive effort (12 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, +24) effectively kept Victor Wembanyama off the boards and out of the paint, forcing him into less efficient perimeter shots.

SGA 32 points, nine assists, two steals. Alex Caruso picked up where he had left off in the previous first three games. 22 points, six assists, three steals. Isaiah Hartinstein was really the heart and soul tonight. 12 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, six of eight. He was plus 24 and he did a great job of keeping Victor Wimyama off the boards because Wimby only had six rebounds.

The Spurs struggled with turnovers, particularly from young players like Jeremy Castle, which consistently broke their momentum and led to easy points for the Thunder. Additionally, Wembanyama's preference for catching the ball near or beyond the three-point line allowed OKC's defenders to play him without double-teaming, reducing his offensive and rebounding impact. This made him one-dimensional and easier to guard.

Spurs got to do a better job of taking care of the ball, Joe. It's really that simple. You cannot let them get to 70 at the half because they can play at a place most teams can't get to the number that they can get to. [...] Tonight Hardenstein outplayed Wimby. Wimby is setting up too far outside. He ain't getting nothing easy, Joe. He's got to get down on the block some.

LeBron James is reportedly unwilling to take a pay cut and does not want to be a third option on a team. Despite his age (41-42 next year), he still believes he can be a first or second option and put up significant numbers. However, the hosts argue that while his individual stats remain high, his overall impact on winning has diminished due to the league's increased depth and his inability to play heavy minutes consistently.

I don't think Bronn enjoy being third fiddle. If y'all want me to keep it 100, I don't think he enjoyed that. [...] I definitely think he's going to have to make a decision sooner than rather than later. [...] Joe, them 25, seven, and seven that LeBron gets, they don't impact the game like they once did.

Joe Mazulla earned Coach of the Year honors for leading the Boston Celtics to a 56-26 record. This achievement was particularly notable because star player Jason Tatum missed most of the season due to an Achilles injury. Mazulla successfully adjusted the team's strategy, relying on other players like Jaylen Brown to step up and maintain the team's top standing in the Eastern Conference.

Joe Mazoula was named 2025 2026 coach of the year. Missoula led the Celtics to a 56 and 26 record in what most people considered an impossible situation, keeping the franchise afloat considering Jason Tatum spent the majority of the season recovering from an Achilles injury.