Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault addressed the media ahead of the 2025 NBA Finals, offering insight into his team’s preparation and the upcoming matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
Speaking after the Thunder’s first full-team practice in days, Daigneault praised Indiana’s run to the Finals and emphasized internal focus as his squad ramps up. “A lot of that was just a focus on us, our fundamentals, the things that are going to be important every game independent of opponent,” he said.
Daigneault acknowledged Indiana’s recent postseason dominance, citing their consistency and identity. “They play the same way in January as they do in May… they’ve got unbelievable integrity to the way that they do things, and that’s why they’re good,” he noted.
He also highlighted the Pacers’ tempo and two-way balance. “It’s not just offense… their defensive philosophy is very much aligned with their offensive philosophy, so it creates a certain air to the game,” Daigneault said.
Asked about Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton, Daigneault was direct in his assessment. “He stirs the drink. He’s got an unbelievable ability to score… and then the minute you commit yourself to him, he leverages that threat,” he said.
Reflecting on his team’s early-season matchups with Indiana, the Thunder coach made clear that regular-season games offer limited predictive value. “We were not whole in those games,” he explained, “and there’s always scheduling context.”
Daigneault also spoke respectfully of Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, calling him “someone who’s forgotten more about the game than most of us have seen.” He noted Carlisle’s leadership of the coaches’ association and their professional rapport.
He described the growth of team chemistry as a factor both franchises share, citing the shared battles of playoff competition. “You’re going to get two teams that have a lot of shared experiences… both are highly connected,” Daigneault said.
Daigneault mentioned his excitement about what the Finals stage represents for his players as people. “Players that have great individual stories, teams that have a great story collectively… we’re proud to be part of that,” he said.
Looking back on the Thunder’s early rebuild years, Daigneault credited key veterans like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, and Kenrich Williams for setting the tone. “That was kind of a blank canvas… those three guys have had their fingerprints on this,” he said.
Daigneault concluded by emphasizing adaptability in roster building, noting the system-wide constraints of the NBA. “I try to bring a lot of open-mindedness and flexibility… because I think ultimately that’s how I can best contribute,” he said.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off later this week, with the Thunder seeking their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City.
