“Frustrating”: Disgruntled Thunder Veteran Breaks Silence on Coach Mark Daigneault’s Scathing Decision After Playoff Heartbreak

The Dallas Mavericks ended the Oklahoma City Thunder’s most glorious season in years. Despite stretching the series to a game 6, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his men fell short in the second half, succumbing to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s relentless offensive onslaught. Amid this heartbreaking loss, the finger-pointing has already begun particularly at head coach Mark Daigneault.

Particularly upset was veteran Gordon Hayward, who expressed his discontent with Coach Daigneault’s decisions. According to an X post, Hayward said, “Disappointing with how it all kind of worked out. Certainly frustrating.” He further adds, “I feel as a player, I have a lot to offer. Just wasn’t really given much of an opportunity to do that. I thought I would be given that opportunity.”

The 30-year-old vet only set foot on the hardwood for three games in the series, playing just 4.9 minutes on average. Coach Daigneault promoted the younger energetic core of the OKC, with SGA at the Helm, followed by Chet Holgrem, Jalen Williams, and Lu Dort. The former Boston Celtics star didn’t get much time on the floor in the regular season. He only played in 26 games averaging just 5.3 points.

Still, calling into question the Coach’s decision to keep him off the floor could be for the better. The starting five did wonders this season, showing the team’s strength by clinching the top seed in a competitive West. Rookie of the Year runner-up Holmgren will also get much better from here. So, playing the young Core wasn’t a bad idea in hindsight!

Mark Daigneault on the Future of OKC

After the devastating loss, coach Daigneault expressed his confidence in the future of the Young OKC, Chet in particular. “Right now, this is, in my opinion, the lowest level of Chet Holmgren we’re going to see, which is pretty exciting, and the reason I’m so confident in saying that is because of his appetite for improvement,” said the head coach.

He further added, “He’s a guy that is incredibly focused. Basketball is his number one priority. He sleeps in his sneakers.” Holmgren led the series in blocks with 2.5 and averaged 15.6 points. This team’s continual focus will be improving their core, and as long as their main players are still developing, the OKC has a dynastic future.

This year, the Thunder became the youngest team to win a playoff series, and if they continue their pace, the Lary O’Brien trophy is not so far away!