Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault addressed the media after a 111-103 Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, opening with respect for the opposition and their postseason run.
“First by congratulating San Antonio on a hard-fought series and an unbelievable run that they’re on right now. We have nothing but respect for their team, organization, and my counterpart Mitch Johnson,” Daigneault said.
He added that the Spurs’ progression through the season stood out in his evaluation of the series. “It’s one thing for them to emerge as the team that they did this season, but they continued to get better throughout the season and stayed hungry throughout the season.”
Daigneault also acknowledged the atmosphere and support from Oklahoma City fans at Paycom Center. “I want to thank our fans that were in the building tonight and all of our fans for their support. I say all the time the fans put the wind at our backs. The environment tonight was off the charts.”
The Thunder coach pointed to execution in key areas as a deciding factor. “Their ability to control the ball in this building was impressive and a huge reason why they won. Our turnovers obviously contributed to what they got tonight and they made really tough shots. Timely shots I would say.”
Daigneault noted that Oklahoma City believed it was in position to take control at multiple points. “I thought we were in a really good spot at halftime. I thought we were in a really good spot starting the fourth quarter. And they had answers tonight and you got to tip your hat to them.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried a major offensive load for the Thunder in the loss, and Daigneault praised his performance directly. “He was brilliant. Obviously he had a great game… It was a really big time game by him,” he said, referring to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
On the broader narrative of trying to repeat success, Daigneault pushed back on the idea that pressure to defend a title defined the season. “No. I think the NBA season’s really hard generally. I don’t think that challenge or those adversities… were necessarily connected to repeating.”
The Thunder coach also reflected on the organization’s season-long expectations and outcome. “You can be both. Proud of the effort and the progress and the level we were able to play… And we can also be really disappointed.”
Daigneault emphasized the team’s identity despite injuries to key players throughout the postseason, stating, “We have not been an excuse team ever, and we’re not going to start now.”
He also evaluated the limited offensive involvement of Chet Holmgren in the game. “Some of that’s on me, some of that’s on the way we approached the game… I still think he played a big-time game in some areas,” referring to Chet Holmgren.
The Thunder finish the series after a 64-win regular season, falling just short of a Finals return, while the Spurs advance to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.
