Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace. Scott Kinser-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Thunder rookie shuts down Kyrie Irving in the clutch

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 5/14/24

The global NBA audience was introduced to OKC rookie Cason Wallace on Monday night.

Wallace, who started only 13 games in the regular season, played nearly the entire fourth quarter as the primary defender on Kyrie Irving, holding the Mavericks guard to 1-of-5 shooting down the stretch.

The 20-year-old Kentucky alum also blocked Irving's three-point shot with 9:49 left in the fourth quarter. The defensive play was crucial as it seemingly swayed the momentum in Thunder's favor.

Feels like the casual NBA fan got introduced to Cason Wallace tonight.

What a performance down the stretch. pic.twitter.com/ajTIoY4Rxt
— #1 Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) May 14, 2024

Wallace also made a huge three to cut the Thunder's deficit to five with 7:33 left in the game.

Cason Wallace tonight:

6 PTS
2/2 3PM
1 BLK
+ 5

Knocked down 2 of the biggest shots of the game and played clamps all night ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/WIEClD9Rn7
— Wallace Muse (@Wallace_Muse) May 14, 2024

Wallace earned a reputation for being a lockdown defender in college, averaging 1.97 steals per game, showing elite instincts and the ability to switch onto bigger players and guard in space. That's why many scouts and pundits praised Thunder GM Sam Presti for using the 2023 No. 10 overall pick on Wallace over higher-recruited and more offensively skilled players such as Gradey Dick and Jett Howard.

Many analysts and fans are calling for the Thunder to start Wallace over Josh Giddey for the remainder of the playoffs, in light of the latter's poor performances. The Australian is averaging just 6.0 points and 2.3 assists against Dallas as OKC's starting guard while shooting 18 percent from three.

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