New acquisition Jared McCain scores 21 as the Thunder beat the Nets 105-86
#Jared McCain#Oklahoma City Thunder#Brooklyn Nets#NBA trade#Player injuries#Season-high scoring#Basketball game results
📌 Key Takeaways
Jared McCain scored a season-high 21 points in his fifth game with the Thunder
The Thunder defeated the Nets 105-86 despite being short-handed due to injuries
Oklahoma City held Brooklyn to just 10 points in the second quarter, their lowest-scoring half of the season
The Nets suffered their third consecutive loss, shooting only 36.7% from the field
📖 Full Retelling
Jared McCain scored a season-high 21 points and the short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Brooklyn Nets 105-86 on Friday night in Oklahoma City. McCain, the former Philadelphia 76er acquired by the Thunder in a trade this month, posted his highest points total in five games with Oklahoma City, helping the team overcome injuries to key players like reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and All-Star Jalen Williams. The Thunder compensated for their depleted roster with balanced scoring, as Chet Holmgren added 15 points, Isaiah Joe had 11, and Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort each contributed 10 points. Oklahoma City trailed 23-21 at the end of the first quarter but took control early in the second quarter, breaking out to a 38-26 lead. Brooklyn went the first 8 1/2 minutes of the second quarter without a field goal, and the Thunder held them to just 3-for-17 shooting in the period, taking a 50-33 lead into halftime. For the Nets, Michael Porter Jr. had 22 points and nine rebounds, while Nolan Traore added 17 points. Brooklyn struggled from the field, shooting just 36.7% overall in their third consecutive loss. Thunder guard Nikola Topic, who recently made his NBA debut after undergoing treatment for testicular cancer, contributed with a 3-pointer and a finger roll during a 7-3 run that extended Oklahoma City's lead to 86-70.
National Basketball Association team in New York City
The Brooklyn Nets are an American professional basketball team based in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The Nets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home games at Barclays Center.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are an American professional basketball team based in Oklahoma City. The Thunder compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. The team plays its home games at Paycom Center.
Jared Dane McCain (born February 20, 2004) is an American professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a consensus five-star recruit and ranked among the top players in the 2023 class. McCain played college basketball for the Duke ...
Jared McCain's strong debut shows the Thunder can stay competitive despite key injuries. His performance highlights the impact of the recent trade and the team's depth.
Context & Background
McCain was traded to the Thunder this month from the 76ers
The team is missing star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams due to injuries
The Thunder have struggled to maintain consistency with a short-handed roster
What Happens Next
The Thunder will evaluate the health of their injured players in the coming weeks and prepare for a home game against Cleveland. McCain’s role may expand as the team seeks to secure a playoff spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Thunder trade for Jared McCain?
The Thunder acquired him from the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade earlier this month.
What injuries are affecting the Thunder?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has an abdominal strain and Jalen Williams has a strained right hamstring.
How did the Thunder perform against the Nets?
They won 105-86 with McCain scoring a season-high 21 points.
Original Source
New acquisition Jared McCain scores 21 as the Thunder beat the Nets 105-86 Jared McCain powered the short-handed Thunder to a 105-86 win over the Nets with a season-high 21 points By CLIFF BRUNT AP sports writer February 20, 2026, 10:58 PM OKLAHOMA CITY -- Jared McCain scored a season-high 21 points and the short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Brooklyn Nets 105-86 on Friday night. McCain, the former Philadelphia 76er the Thunder acquired in a trade this month, posted his highest points total in five games with Oklahoma City. He made 7 of 12 field goals and 3 of 6 3-pointers in a reserve role. The Thunder have several players dealing with injuries, including reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and 2025 All-Star Jalen Williams (strained right hamstring). Both are to be re-evaluated in the coming weeks. Oklahoma City compensated with balanced scoring. Chet Holmgren scored 15 points, Isaiah Joe had 11 and Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort each added 10. Michael Porter Jr. had 22 points and nine rebounds, and Nolan Traore added 17 points for the Nets. Brooklyn shot just 36.7% from the field in its third straight loss. Oklahoma City trailed 23-21 at the end of the first quarter, but took control early in the second and broke out to a 38-26 lead. Brooklyn went the first 8 1/2 minutes of the second quarter without a field goal. Dort was fouled on a made 3-pointer with 2:18 left in the second quarter. He made the free throw to put the Thunder up 43-30. Oklahoma City led 50-33 at halftime after holding the Nets to 3-for-17 shooting in the second quarter. It was the lowest-scoring half the Thunder have allowed this season, and the 10 points for Brooklyn were a low for an Oklahoma City opponent. Popular Reads Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says Feb 20, 4:51 PM The mysterious Nancy Guthrie abduction: A full timeline Feb 19, 8:20 AM Nancy Guthrie case: Person released as search for 'armed individual' continu...
