Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault highlighted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s composure and leadership after Monday’s 129-126 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
“Tremendous poise, confidence, he doesn’t change his mindset regardless of the circumstance,” Daigneault said. “He was outstanding, not only the last stretch, but the game control. The blend of attacking and passing put his teammates in advantages all night.”
Daigneault emphasized Gilgeous-Alexander’s competitiveness in handling Nikola Jokic minute for minute. “Unbelievable competitiveness by him. I told him before the game, and he just leaned into it when he took on the challenge,” Daigneault said. “Obviously, Jokic is as tough of a cover as anybody. For him to get a performance like tonight, just so that everybody’s aware of what this guy is capable of as a competitor and as a player, I’m incredibly happy for him.”
Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 35 points, nine rebounds, and a career-high 15 assists, becoming the second player in NBA history with those totals and zero turnovers. Daigneault credited his awareness and decision-making. “He never presses. He’s got unbelievable awareness of the circumstances, awareness of the length of the game,” he said. “He can make the right play knowing he’ll get his cracks. His passing tonight was really good, even the simple ones that weren’t assists.”
The coach also praised the contributions of returning players Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain. “AJ’s back after a long time out and made an instant impact. He’s obviously a really good player and ready,” Daigneault said. “He was diligent with a setback and kept plugging. We don’t win that game without him either.” On McCain, he added, “He hasn’t been here long, but he showed great mental toughness. He got himself back to zero, got ready to play, and he helped us win down the stretch.”
Daigneault described the bench’s impact in turning the game in the second quarter. “The first-quarter McCain and AJ Mitchell sub changed our pace and mojo,” he said. “Credit Denver, credit Gordon, but the guys off the bench know they can elevate the game, and that’s exactly what they did.”
On Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch shots, Daigneault was clear about the player’s mindset. “Ask him. He’s coming right in. That’s who you’re all waiting for,” he said. “He doesn’t break a sweat doing anything, and that was outstanding from start to finish.”
The Thunder, missing key starters Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jalen Williams, improved to 51-15 and 6-0 since Gilgeous-Alexander returned from an abdominal strain. Oklahoma City will host Boston on Thursday, while Denver travels to Houston on Wednesday.
