Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault remained composed after a 113-104 overtime defeat to the Denver Nuggets in Game 3, emphasizing the importance of learning and adapting mid-series.
Despite holding Nikola Jokic to 8-of-28 shooting and forcing eight turnovers, the Thunder fell behind 2-1 in the Western Conference Semifinals after being outscored 11-2 in the extra period.
Daigneault credited Denver’s execution late, noting, “At that point in the game, it becomes more of a possession game… they obviously made a couple more plays.”
Asked about the offense’s stagnation down the stretch, he pointed to both teams facing similar challenges, saying, “It was a grind in the last six minutes of that game for everybody… they executed a little better.”
Jalen Williams scored 32 points but saw limited involvement in overtime, a point reporters raised in postgame questions.
Daigneault responded, “We’re certainly aware of him… if he’s got it going, they’re going to show help and he’s going to have to make plays off the ball,” adding that the team’s offensive flow relies on trust and rhythm rather than scripted possessions.
Though Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled with efficiency, shooting 7-of-22, the coach defended his usage and chemistry with Williams: “Those guys have a great chemistry… a lot of that stuff happens in the flow.”
Chet Holmgren contributed 18 points and 16 rebounds, and Daigneault praised his overall effort: “His rim protection really helps us behind all their actions… can’t control whether or not shots go in.”
Daigneault also acknowledged Aaron Gordon’s impact, calling him “an incredible piece of their team” and emphasizing the Thunder must meet that challenge in Game 4.
Despite losing, Daigneault found positives in rebounding and defensive execution, saying, “You can’t throw everything out the window… we’re in the process of becoming a great team.”
He maintained confidence in the group, concluding, “This is how you become stronger as a team—you learn from these experiences, you stand up to them, and you improve.”
Game 4 is set for Sunday in Denver as the Thunder look to even the series.
