The Oklahoma City Thunder strengthened their position in the Western Conference first-round series with a 120-107 win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night at Paycom Center. The result gave Oklahoma City a 2-0 series lead after a game defined by momentum swings and a late Phoenix push.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault confirmed an injury concern for Jalen Williams, saying, “I know there will be a Dub question. He aggravated his left hamstring. We’ll take a look at him here over the next couple days and update you guys appropriately.”
Daigneault also acknowledged the opponent’s response in Game 2, stating, “A large difference in the game was Phoenix. I thought they had a sharpness tonight that was impressive.”
He added that adjustments will be necessary as the series continues, saying, “You have to pace with the series because each team has the same opportunity to improve.”
Oklahoma City built its strongest separation in the third quarter, but Daigneault noted the closing stretch required correction. “Obviously the fourth was a little wacky. We’ll watch that,” he said. “Some of that I think was shot making… other parts of it I think were controllable.”
One of the key sequences came after a timeout when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander found Ajay Mitchell for a three-pointer. Daigneault explained the read, saying, “We knew how aggressively they were helping on Shai… I thought Shai made the right play all night.”
He continued on Gilgeous-Alexander’s overall impact: “His floor game was outstanding including that play. He seemed to spray it all over the place. Had a great tempo and got us really good shots.”
On Williams’ injury situation, Daigneault avoided long-term projections, saying, “Any assumption about time missed is hypothetical at this point, so I’m not going to comment on that.” He added, “He was playing an outstanding game… on the gas, great force.”
Daigneault also praised Williams’ presence within the team: “He’s the man. He’s a great spirit. He’s a great teammate.”
On Gilgeous-Alexander’s response after a physical defensive approach, Daigneault said, “The last thing I’m worried about is Shai’s shooting efficiency. I knew he’d bounce back.”
Ajay Mitchell also earned strong remarks from the coach, who said, “He’s been impressive all year… He’s making all the right plays, staying aggressive. He was outstanding.”
Defensively, Daigneault highlighted execution in key stretches, noting, “We made them earn everything, made them make tough shots.”
He also credited Chet Holmgren’s versatility, saying, “He continues to be incredibly high impact for us.”
Oklahoma City now shifts focus to Game 3 with both momentum and injury management shaping the next phase of the series.
