Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the team’s persistence after a 107-101 comeback win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, while Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell each added 18 in a balanced scoring effort.
Daigneault credited preparation and in-game adaptability for the team’s ability to execute in late-game situations. “The biggest thing is just exposing the guys to different situations and encouraging some critical thinking… you can’t micromanage every decision,” he said.
The coach highlighted the demanding schedule, noting five games in eight nights with two double-overtime contests. “We’re obviously not fully healthy either… but the persistence of the team, you know, we’re building different muscles at different times,” Daigneault said.
Despite a third-quarter shooting slump, Gilgeous-Alexander contributed nine points in the fourth to help seal the victory. Lu Dort’s three-pointer put Oklahoma City ahead 99-97, and Alex Caruso extended the lead with a trey late in the fourth. Daigneault praised these plays as examples of the team flexing their “resilience muscle.”
Bench contributions were also key, with Daigneault noting Alex Caruso’s defensive presence and late-game scoring. “He had his hands all over the ball and then he made the shot of the game,” the coach said.
Daigneault also discussed the team’s approach to half-court and transition offense. He acknowledged a slower pace in late quarters due to fatigue and overtime but emphasized the team’s adaptability. “We just try to read what’s going on in the game… and be adaptive,” he said.
The coach also highlighted the defensive performance in the second half, holding Sacramento to 39 points. He credited the team’s collective effort against a balanced Kings attack, saying, “They played well together, moved the ball well, and tried to keep the ball ahead of us. We got our shots in as well.”
Daigneault concluded by praising the competitive spirit of younger players. “AJ has gotten off to a great start offensively. Tonight was tough… but he maintained his competitiveness and confidence despite that,” he said. He also emphasized focusing on controllable factors like officiating and execution rather than external circumstances.
The Thunder improve to 5-0 and will host the Washington Wizards on Thursday, while Sacramento visits the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
