Former USC Trojan level guard Jordan McLaughlin has not heard his identify referred to as a lot this postseason for the San Antonio Spurs. In Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, that modified. The Spurs have been with out De’Aaron Fox for 2 video games now, they usually suffered yet one more damage to their guard depth with Dylan Harper exiting Game 2. That opened the door for McLaughlin to lastly see actual minutes.
McLaughlin is not any stranger to NBA playoff basketball, as he was part of 3 Minnesota Timberwolves playoff runs from 2021 to 2023. In the 2021 playoffs, Minnesota McLaughlin averaged 16 minutes a sport and posted 6 factors per sport whereas taking pictures 57% from 3. He has expertise beneath his belt, however the Western Conference Finals are a complete completely different stage of depth. Game 1 of this sequence confirmed that because it went into double extra time.
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McLaughlin, in his brief 7-minute stint in Game 2, posted up 6 factors, acquired a rebound, and an help. McLaughlin is a real skilled, and he was in a position to be a key contributor as soon as his identify acquired referred to as.
With Dylan Harper and De’Aaron Fox each battling injuries, McLaughlin can be checked out to turn out to be extra concerned in this sequence. If the Spurs need to regain the momentum that they had after Game 1, they may want to handle enterprise in Game 3 at house. McLaughlin could have to shine in his restricted minutes to cowl up the large gap the Spurs now have. McLaughlin gave confidence he can do exactly that, however in Game 3 the expectations can be even increased.
This article initially appeared on Trojans Wire: Spurs need Jordan McLaughlin to step up vs Thunder with depth lacking