Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault credited his team’s resilience and physical intensity following a 128-126 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on Monday.
“It was a 48-minute game,” Daigneault said postgame. “It was just a brawl from the jump… and the guys just battled up.”
The Thunder now lead the series 3-1 after recovering from a 42-point loss in Game 3, showing improved composure and offensive execution in Minneapolis.
Daigneault highlighted the importance of staying present, particularly down the stretch. “The guys did a great job just taking a possession at a time, stacking them up, and running through the game,” he noted.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams combined for 95 points in the win, with Williams knocking down six of nine from beyond the arc. Daigneault praised their ability to share the load.
“Dub, the tone he set early and then the shot-making late was huge. Chet was a monster… Shai obviously was brilliant,” he said. “Everybody that went in the game gave us a huge contribution.”
On Williams’ 34-point performance, Daigneault emphasized the second-year forward’s learning curve and adaptability. “He never seemed sped up. He never seemed like they were dictating anything… just a great adjustment by him tonight.”
Oklahoma City’s strategy also included key defensive adjustments, including early pressure on Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.
“I thought Dort’s tone early in the game defensively was particularly important,” Daigneault added. “We really made [Edwards] work for the ball… same with Randle.”
Daigneault downplayed any surprise at his group’s response, saying, “I learned nothing. This team’s easy to bet on.”
When asked about the team’s mentality heading into a potential closeout Game 5, Daigneault emphasized consistency. “We have to approach the next 48 hours the same way we approached the last 48 hours… Still improve.”
Execution in the final seconds—something that went awry in Game 3—was a focus area. “We executed every part of the end of the game really well tonight,” Daigneault said. “Timeout management, lineup management, the rebound at the end—all that stuff.”
Despite limiting Edwards and Randle to a combined 21 points, Daigneault credited Minnesota’s bench unit for keeping the game close. “DiVincenzo, McDaniels—it felt like those guys didn’t miss… they really shot it ridiculously efficiently.”
While Isaiah Hartenstein saw limited action, Daigneault hinted at a shifting approach in Game 5. “That wasn’t the plan going in, was to play that small the entire game… Game 5 will be different.”
With Oklahoma City now one win away from its first NBA Finals appearance in 13 years, Daigneault made it clear that nothing is taken for granted. “We’re expecting [Minnesota’s] best punch again… and we have to throw ours if we want to win the game.”
