The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 125-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets to reach the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2016. Head coach Mark Daigneault highlighted the toughness and growth his team showed throughout the series.
Daigneault began by acknowledging Denver’s championship pedigree and the challenge they presented. “They displayed the medal of a champion,” he said, referring to the Nuggets’ experience and competitiveness. “They pushed us to the limit.”
On the defensive effort that defined the Thunder’s Game 7 win, Daigneault credited the team’s pressure and consistency. “Our pressure today was a difference maker,” he said. “We accessed that at different times in the series, but today we did it most consistently for the 48 minutes.”
The coach singled out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s intense defense on Nikola Jokic, noting that it was a strategic priority. “He did an unbelievable job individually,” Daigneault said. “It’s a team defense to make that effective, and the guys executed the hell out of that.”
Regarding the rotation, Daigneault explained the choice to rely on an eight-man unit. “You play every other day in the playoffs. In a game seven, you’ve got to empty the tank, and that’s what we did,” he noted, emphasizing the team’s energy and focus.
Effort was another key theme in Daigneault’s comments. He praised his players’ commitment to diving for loose balls and maintaining intensity despite fatigue. “It was our best energy game and activity game,” he said. “Game sevens are games you wake up in the morning and know you’re going to remember for the rest of your life.”
The coach also gave credit to role players like Casson Wallace and Alex Caruso, who contributed key moments off the bench. “They’ve made such a habit of that,” Daigneault said of their ability to spark the team.
Daigneault reflected on the mental toughness needed to win a seven-game series. “It’s hard mentally to get yourself to zero and go win game four and five,” he explained. “It shows the character of the team and the guys.”
When asked about the noise and pressure of a Game 7, Daigneault emphasized staying true to the team’s identity. “We were who we are,” he said. “If we just bet on who we are individually and collectively, we’re a really hard team to beat.”
Jalen Williams’s strong performance also drew praise. “He was on the gas from the jump tonight. He was incredible,” Daigneault said, highlighting the importance of players bouncing back in a tough series.
Daigneault recognized the leadership of interim Denver coach David Adelman as well. “He was thrust into a challenging leadership position and handled it well,” he said, applauding the opponent’s resilience.
The Thunder will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals starting Tuesday at Paycom Center.
