Cason Wallace's Defensive Dominance Secures Thunder's Win

0:00This is Corey, with NBA News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The Oklahoma City Thunder edged out the New York Knicks, NHE, SS-13 to 100, in a gritty defensive battle and Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. Both teams played their second game in two nights, but it felt like the NBA finals with stars locked down tight. Third-year guard, Kason Wallace stole the show on defense, helping secure the win. Wallace, the 22-year-old Kentucky product, leaves the league in steals at 2.1 per game. He has 226 steals in 61 games this season, a career high. He smothers pick and roll handlers, holding them to just 0.787 points per possession, and limits spot-of-shooters to. 38% shooting. Nickstar, Jalen Brunson, struggled all night against Wallace, finishing 5 for 18 from the floor, including 2 for 5 from 3. By halftime, Brunson was 1 for 8, forced to pass more than score.

1:03Even his makes came against help or in late-clock situations, showing how tough Wallace made it. Advanced stats back it up, with opponents hitting just 35% on pull-up jumpers against him, and only 54% at the rim. Matchups get high quality shots just 14% of the time, percentage data. Wallace lives in the opponent's space, making top scores earn every bucket. The Thunder now boasts the NBA's best record and top defense, thanks in big part to Wallace. He's not just all defense material, but a strong case for first-team honors in his breakout year. This episode is supported by our sponsor, C Details in the Description, Headphones in the Pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com