Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault emphasized his team’s focus and pace after Friday’s 132-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Paycom Center.
“We had good pop at the end of the second…coming out, the team’s focus was really good. We played with a lot of pace and made them earn everything on the other end,” Daigneault said.
The Thunder opened the third quarter with a dominant stretch, outscoring Dallas 41-26. Daigneault credited the ball movement that created open shots for players like Cason Wallace. “We did a really good job of gaining the right advantages tonight, putting the ball ahead of the defense and completing plays,” he explained.
Daigneault praised his team’s defensive effort on Anthony Davis, holding the star to two points on 1-of-9 shooting. “J-Will [Jalen Williams] did a great job on him. Kenrich did a great job. With AD, you have to fight for spots, and those guys brought great energy. He missed makeable shots, but we made him earn everything,” Daigneault said.
He also highlighted contributions from bench players who energized the team defensively. “That group did a good job of getting a little bit of a lead. Branden Carlson and J-Will stepping into the starting role…they helped us win,” Daigneault noted, calling it a “program win” for depth players staying ready.
On Jalen Williams’ offensive development, Daigneault said, “He’s such a great player. It’s going to take a little time from a rhythm standpoint…he competes every night and plays the right way, which is incredibly impactful.”
Daigneault praised Chet Holmgren’s assertiveness and physicality. “He’s not afraid to make mistakes, miss shots, or compete. That shows up on both ends of the floor, and he was excellent tonight, especially to start the third quarter on offense,” he said.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points in three quarters, making 10 of 12 field goals and 11 of 12 free throws. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams added 15 points each, and Oklahoma City shot 56% from the field while converting 26 of 28 free throws.
The Mavericks were led by Jaden Hardy with 23 points and Naji Marshall with 18, while Anthony Davis struggled offensively but finished with eight rebounds and six assists. Oklahoma City improved to 22-1, extending its winning streak to 14 games, while Dallas fell to 8-16.
The Thunder will visit the Utah Jazz on Sunday, while the Mavericks host the Houston Rockets on Saturday.
