Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault addressed the media on Tuesday, stressing flexibility and leadership as key components heading into Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
After a Game 2 win in which the Thunder dominated the glass and tightened their defense, Daigneault highlighted the team’s evolving approach to winning the possession battle.
“In the first game, we were able to win it with turnovers,” he said. “In the second game, we obviously rebounded better in those units… We want to have all the options available. We’ll continue to draw on them when we think it’s advantageous.”
The Thunder out-rebounded the Pacers 43-35 in Game 2 after losing that battle in the opener. The increased use of dual big men proved to be a key adjustment.
When asked about Alex Caruso’s impact off the bench, Daigneault pointed to his consistency and example-setting.
“He’s always doing the right thing. He’s always competing. He’s always present,” the coach said. “It gives you an incredible platform to lead both through example and, in his case, with his voice.”
Caruso scored 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting in Game 2, contributing to a pivotal second-quarter run that helped Oklahoma City even the series.
Daigneault also discussed the importance of staying prepared for Indiana’s potential adjustments, particularly on their home floor.
“They made a conscious effort when they came home off a loss to really ramp up the physicality,” he noted. “They play very well here… We’ve got to level up to that.”
Oklahoma City has excelled at staying grounded despite their success this season, which includes a 65-17 regular season record.
“We haven’t relied on the outcomes or the noise,” Daigneault said when asked about the team’s mindset. “I think that starts with the makeup these guys have… There’s a lot of integrity to the team.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to score from multiple areas on the floor has made him a central threat throughout the playoffs. He leads all scorers this postseason and finished Game 2 with 34 points.
“He can get there a lot of different ways,” Daigneault said. “He just found such a great rhythm and such a great blend of those things.”
Indiana’s defensive strengths were also a topic of discussion, especially their transition defense. Despite only registering four fast-break points, Daigneault saw improvements in the team’s pace.
“We advanced the ball much more up the floor,” he said. “We had more of those plays that don’t really reflect in fast break points but that give us some flow.”
As Oklahoma City prepares for Wednesday’s contest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Daigneault emphasized the need to continue evolving, both schematically and mentally.
“You need the openness because you don’t know what the game’s going to be like,” he said. “Every game is different.”
Game 3 tips off Wednesday in Indianapolis, where the Pacers will host their first NBA Finals home game since 2000.
