Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault highlighted his team’s focus and execution after Wednesday’s 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points and added six rebounds and six assists, continuing his streak of 91 consecutive 20-point games, the third-longest in NBA history. Daigneault credited the team’s mental toughness, noting, “He still made the right plays which showed tremendous trust in his teammates.”
The Thunder overcame a difficult shooting night, hitting just 27% from three-point range while holding Minnesota to 41%. Daigneault said, “We had to endure a good amount of adversity tonight and we did just enough to do that.”
Chet Holmgren made a decisive corner three in the final minute and contributed key rebounds, with Daigneault praising his composure: “He didn’t have it going for much of the game and then he obviously made that huge shot… great mental toughness by him.”
Kenrich Williams returned from a left knee injury, providing energy and depth. “He brings a certain edge and competitiveness, fearlessness, versatility,” Daigneault said, adding that Williams’ presence helped sustain momentum throughout the game.
The Thunder executed a critical 12-4 run late in the fourth quarter, forcing two turnovers and converting on both ends. Daigneault emphasized the team’s defensive focus, saying, “Great pressure and intensity and execution… the guys really locked in for those three minutes.”
Despite Minnesota’s physical play, including 12 free throws for Anthony Edwards, Oklahoma City maintained composure. Daigneault noted, “It was a pretty high-level game just in terms of the physicality… both teams played a hard-fought physical game.”
Oklahoma City improved to 18-1, becoming the fifth team in NBA history to start a season 18-1, while extending its winning streak to 10 games. Daigneault said the team’s competitive focus and ability to create its own energy was key to navigating a “muddy” game with frequent stoppages.
The Thunder will host Phoenix on Friday in another NBA Cup matchup, while the Timberwolves return home to face Boston on Saturday, aiming to correct free-throw struggles and sharpen late-game execution.
