Some people are born out of phase. There is a kind of calmness about them, millions of thoughts running through their heads, which almost makes them jealous. That's the case with Cason Wallace, despite being a 20-year-old rookie.
The most you can get out of him is a smile, maybe a chuckle, before Sam Presti and Mark Denault spit out the coach's words that are sure to put a big smile on their faces every time they hear them at every media scrum. Dew.
Wallace was so smart earlier this season that he refused to reveal his favorite state fair food when the Oklahoma City media asked him in full court to find out whether he liked corn dogs or funnel cake. It was spot on.
So it's no surprise that the Kentucky product doesn't mind playing against his hometown as we all build up the high-stakes story of Wallace coming home in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Ta.
“I'm going in with a clear head and a clear mindset. No matter where I'm at, I'm just going to go out there and win,” said Wallace, who helped lead his childhood team to a spot in the Western Conference Finals. He talked about playing against.
Game 1 on Tuesday will be the rookie's fifth meeting with the Mavericks this season, two of which have been played at American Airlines Center so far, before he returns home Saturday.
Against the Mavericks this season, Wallace is averaging 11 points, three rebounds, one assist, three steals and two shots in four games for the Bricktown Boys off the Pines.
His points against Dallas were just shy of his young career high of 11.5 points per game against Cleveland.
It's almost unbelievable the steady presence Wallace has ahead of a playoff series against his hometown team and the organization that traded him on draft night not to flood the rookie guard with emotion.
But his play on the court suggests he's telling the truth as he negates any narrative thrown at him. It's part of the extraordinary maturity that Mark Daigneault continues to heap upon Wallace and his peers.
The rookie guard will be a key cog in the Thunder's rotation in Game 2. Not only will his defensive chops be justified against the likes of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but he may be called upon to finish games offensively.
Wallace has shown some on-ball ability, but his play-finishing qualities will be needed against Dallas. This year, the rookie is shooting 44 percent from corners and 39 percent from non-corner triples.
For the Thunder to advance to the Western Conference Finals, they will need their hometown hero to play as a spoiler.
Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Check out all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
