Oklahoma City has won back-to-back games against Cleveland despite missing three starters through long-term injuries. After Wednesday’s 124-116 victory, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault credited the team’s competitive maturity, commitment to fundamentals and organizational approach for keeping the group productive.
“We’re not going to look for sympathy. We’re not going to make excuses. And we’re going to accept the circumstances as they are and try to thrive within them,” Daigneault said after the game.
The Thunder improved to 6-2 after beating the Cavaliers for the second time in three nights. They also won 117-112 in Cleveland on Monday, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 43 points in that game.
Daigneault emphasized that Oklahoma City’s approach has remained consistent despite the injuries and changing rotations.
“Our standards don’t change, our emphasis doesn’t change. We’re very consistent with that stuff and the guys are very consistent with that,” he explained.
The coach also pointed to improvements on both ends of the floor, particularly in the team’s attention to fundamental details.
“We try to just divide and conquer with the little fundamental things that we have a lot of control over and put the emphasis on that with the guys,” Daigneault said.
Those improvements have helped Oklahoma City get meaningful contributions from players with limited experience in the rotation.
Rookie Bennett Stirtz scored 16 points against Cleveland, shooting 6-of-9 from the field and 4-of-7 from three-point range. Ajay Mitchell added 23 points, while Aday Mara contributed nine points, five rebounds and three blocks.
Daigneault praised Stirtz’s confidence and his ability to find opportunities alongside Oklahoma City’s established playmakers.
“He’s really good. You know, he let it rip and is a threat out there,” the coach said. “He’s shown some gutsy play.”
He also highlighted the work of young players such as Micah Peavy, Josh Dix and Mara, explaining that their commitment to fundamentals has helped them earn opportunities.
“Those guys compete and they play inside the team and then their fundamentals are improving right now and so it allows them to exist out there on the floor and get positive stuff into the game,” Daigneault said.
Daigneault explains Thunder’s organizational culture
Daigneault also addressed what makes Oklahoma City capable of integrating new contributors so quickly. He credited general manager Sam Presti and the organization’s approach to identifying players who fit its established culture.
“Way more the former,” Daigneault said when asked whether the next-man-up mentality comes more from the players Oklahoma City recruits or what the coaching staff teaches.
“Sam and his group do a great job of identifying people that, you know, are going to like align and identify with the things that we emphasize.”
The coach also responded to Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson describing the Thunder as more of a program than a team.
“It’s an organizational thing and I think it’s a pretty holistic program,” Daigneault said.
He credited owner Clay Bennett, Presti and the people working throughout the organization for creating an environment that supports the players.
The Thunder’s approach will continue to be tested as they navigate their injury situation. Oklahoma City visits the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, November 6.
