When the Oklahoma City Thunder take the court for Game 7, Cason Wallace needs to be a significant part of their game plan. The 21-year-old is one of the most alluring young players on the Thunder's remarkably deep roster, but up to this point, opportunities have been erratically provided.
After proving he can find holes in the Nuggets' defense during Game 6, Oklahoma City needs to embrace its future in Game 7 by giving Wallace a chance to make a statement.
Wallace is one of the most captivating up-and-comers in the NBA. At just 21 years of age, he's already flashed elite defensive potential, as well as remarkable balance as a player who can both create offense and operate without the ball in his hands.
Wallace will need to continue to refine his game to reach the next level of his development, but it's only taken two seasons for him to earn the opportunity to shine under the brightest lights.
Wallace proved as much during Game 6, posting 10 points, four rebounds, and three steals in 27 minutes. He tied with Alex Caruso for the most points by an Oklahoma City reserve, and remained locked in on defense when his shot wasn't falling.
As the Thunder search for ways to gain a clear advantage over the Nuggets in Game 7, they must consider Wallace's guard play off the bench as the one attribute the opposition can't match.
Cason Wallace is the Thunder's X-Factor for Game 7
Wallace is an explosive athlete who plays bigger than his 6'3" height and always seems to have a hand in what's happening when he's on the court. Whether he's blowing by defenders and erupting at the rim, shooting with efficiency, or dominating the passing lanes, his impact is undeniable.
That translated to the box score when Wallace finished the regular season averaging 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 three-point field goals made in 27.6 minutes per game.
Wallace's ball-hawking defense could prove essential during Game 7, when the Thunder will need to find a counter to the Nuggets' explosive offense. His on-ball and off-ball play could prove significant to the effort to contain Christian Braun and Jamal Murray.
When all else fails, Wallace's shot creation makes him the perfect candidate to elevate an already excellent second unit.
The question, however, is whether or not Oklahoma City will give him the opportunity to make his mark. He's averaging 7.3 fewer minutes per game during the playoffs than he did in the regular season, and has often seen solid showings followed by limited opportunities.
Thankfully, Game 6 was a change of pace that allowed Wallace to prove that he can step up on both ends of the floor when given the chance.
With Game 7 looming, it's time for Wallace to reveal how much progress he's truly made. Thunder fans are thoroughly intrigued by what he brings to the table and how rapidly he seems to learn on the fly, and that progress can be tracked in real time with the season on the line.
The veterans may be the favored choices for a Game 7, but Wallace needs the opportunity to prove he can help save the Thunder's season with his brand of two-way value.