Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault isn’t worried about his team bouncing back from its 119-110 loss to Dallas on Thursday, according to Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman. Oklahoma City is now facing some adversity for the first time in these playoffs after losing home court advantage in its second-round series.
“Curious, but confident,” Daigneault said. “I’m not sitting here wondering. This is a team that’s made a habit of getting back up. We keep a pretty steady temperament through the ups and downs of the season, and this is just part of the deal. This is just part of the deal. This is the playoffs. Playing against really good teams. These are deep waters. You’re gonna throw some punches, you’re gonna take some punches, and now we’ve gotta eat one, get back to zero tomorrow and be a better team in Game 3.”
We have more on the Thunder:
- Josh Giddey may need to be replaced in the lineup after two poor outings in the series, Anthony Slater of The Athletic notes. Giddey only played 11 minutes in Game 2 and 17 minutes in Game 1. The team is a minus-27 with him on the court. Aaron Wiggins started the second half of Game 2 in place of Giddey. “It’s basically an in-game substitution,” Daigneault said. “So, I don’t view it any different than checking someone into the game with eight minutes to go in the third quarter. We’re going to keep it fluid.”
- Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams have been used in two-big lineups with some success, Slater adds in the same story. After playing only 92 minutes together the entire regular season, the duo has played a combined six minutes in the series and the Thunder have outscored the Mavericks by nine points during that span. “In both games, it’s given us a nice rim presence, a nice rebounding presence,” Daigneault said.
- Jalen Williams‘ ascent is detailed in a feature by The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov. The second-year forward hit 42.7% of his three-point tries this season and became a reliable go-to option late in games, with Vorkunov pointing out that only 11 players scored more fourth-quarter points this season than Williams. He’s averaging 20.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game during the postseason.
Knicks in 7, Celtics in 6, mavs to win the series. Small little wager that could be profitable if comes to fruition. Just a bit of fun and added interest.
The decision to hold onto Giddey at the deadline is looking a bit questionable now with a suddenly vulnerable Nuggets team and the Celtics not looking like world-beaters. I get sticking with the patient route to see how things shake out, but the fit was never great for him and he hasn’t developed much as a shooter or defender. Then again, I wonder what his stock around the NBA is to begin with. But a deadline upgrade sure would have them looking even better right now
OKC fans should indeed 100% feel slighted at their front office this deadline
They’ll pull something someday tho and it will be labeled brilliant and an historic accomplishment by the fans and writers. A nice little happy train for everyone to pat themselves on the back for supporting the movement for so many years
Klay Thompson to Thunder Josh to the Warriors Sign trade deal with picks to even the trade out.
OKC is still too young to beat the likes of Dallas. Maybe next year
OKC I think beat Dallas is 6 or 7 but then lose the following series. PJ had a terrific game but I don’t think he and THJ have it in them to bring that again and again and again.
Either way OKC then understand how good this young team is and where they need to improve. On top of that they have the picks and cap space to really make something happen.
I could see them really go hard for a guy like Mikal Bridges so would seamlessly fit in with how they play and what they want.
SGA Dort Bridges Williams Chet
Solid defensively, can shoot, can switch, inside and out, efficient and with superstar level talent.
Give up Giddey, KRich, and like 5 firsts
Maybe they first try their luck stealing OG or Siakim in FA and not having to give up a first.
Me personally I’d like to see them grab a real back up centre that could play twin tower minutes with Chet like a Wendell Carter Jr.