Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault highlighted his team’s consistency after Friday’s 131-94 victory over the Golden State Warriors. “I thought that was a really consistent effort by the team… from box to wire it was just a really consistent effort,” he said following the win at Chase Center.
The Thunder pulled away after a 19-0 run in the second quarter, turning a close game into a commanding lead. Daigneault emphasized that the team’s approach on both ends was key. “Even in that stretch, I thought we got some decent shots… we went out, earned a win, got better, built our habits,” he explained.
Chet Holmgren’s impact was a major factor in the win. “Just his impact on winning, on a possession by possession basis… tonight he had the rebounding, the blocking, he got the points, but the invisible things, too,” Daigneault said, praising Holmgren’s influence beyond the stat sheet. He added that Holmgren’s improved strength and rebounding have contributed to the team’s growth.
Branden Carlson also drew high marks from Daigneault for his versatility and readiness. “With J-Will out and Hart out… to have somebody that can play those minutes well… just shows great professionalism,” he said. Carlson scored 15 points and added 11 rebounds, contributing across the board in a condensed rotation.
Daigneault stressed that the team’s focus is on possessions, not outcomes, as Oklahoma City seeks to maintain momentum. “We try to learn from every possession and make sure that we’re stacking good possessions… the last two games we’ve put together very complete 48-minute efforts,” he said.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points and seven assists, marking his seventh game in the last nine with 30 or more points. Holmgren added 15 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, while the team shot 52% from the field and converted all 19 free throws.
Oklahoma City improved to 30-5, recording 51 rebounds and 34 assists, showcasing depth beyond Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring. The Thunder dominated despite missing key rotations in prior games, maintaining balance and discipline throughout.
The Warriors, playing without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Jonathan Kuminga, struggled to keep pace and fell to 18-17. Golden State shot 36% from the floor and was unable to overcome the Thunder’s defensive and offensive efficiency.
Daigneault emphasized that maintaining fundamentals and identity is key as the team moves forward. “It takes discipline for a team to continue to improve even when you get positive outcomes, but this team has great maturity in that way,” he said.
The Thunder will travel to Phoenix on Sunday, while the Warriors host Utah on Saturday, both teams looking to adjust following Friday’s decisive result.
