The Oklahoma City Thunder held a film session following their 108-90 Game 1 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Coach Mark Daigneault and players discussed strategies for handling double-teams on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the impact of the home crowd.
Key points
Thunder held a film session after Game 1 win
Mark Daigneault discussed strategies for SGA's double-teams
Isaiah Hartenstein aims to assist SGA against traps
Jared McCain contributed 12 points off the bench
Daigneault praised the team's positive locker room chemistry
Mentioned in this story
Mark Daigneault
Oklahoma City ThunderLos Angeles Lakers
May 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) in the second half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Oklahoma City Thunder held a film session on Wednesday. This comes just a day after they picked up a 108-90 Game 1 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. It took them a while to turn it non-competitive, but they pulled away in the second half to build a 1-0 series lead.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, Isaiah Hartenstein and Jared McCain talked to the media afterward. Daigneault discussed how they could improve on handling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's double-teams if the Lakers continue that bold strategy in Game 2.
Meanwhile, Hartenstein said he could help with that by being an escape valve. McCain also talked about his 12 points off the bench in Game 1. And how OKC's playoff crowd helped fuel him for the big-time buckets to put the Lakers away.
Here's what else happened at OKC's Wednesday, May 6 media availability:
Mark Daigneault on the Lakers throwing doubles at SGA: “I think what threw us off a little bit last night was just how aggressively they did. They were doing it like in transition at times. We’re coming up the floor and they don't even have 5 guys back and they're calling a… pic.twitter.com/z1NyNUhiBu
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026
Mark Daigneault on LeBron James’ Game 1: “Credit him. He was in first punch mode to start the game. He was really aggressive early. It was clear that he wanted to set a tone for the series and for the game.”
Q&A
What did Mark Daigneault say about the Lakers' defense on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
Mark Daigneault noted that the Lakers' aggressive double-teaming of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was unexpected and affected their gameplay.
How did Isaiah Hartenstein plan to assist SGA against double-teams?
Isaiah Hartenstein mentioned he could serve as an escape valve to help Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when he faces traps.
What was Jared McCain's contribution in Game 1 against the Lakers?
Jared McCain scored 12 points off the bench in Game 1, highlighting the support from the OKC crowd as a motivating factor.
What did Daigneault say about the Thunder's team chemistry?
Daigneault emphasized that the Thunder's positive locker room atmosphere significantly boosts the confidence of young players.
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— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026
Mark Daigneault on OKC’s chemistry: “I really believe that if you have a skeptical or cynical locker room, then the first time a guy dribbles off his foot, everybody's rolling their eyes. That has a huge impact on the confidence of a young player. We don't have that at all.” pic.twitter.com/AIAq3EGE5y
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026
Mark Daigneault on Chet Holmgren’s playoffs: “I think it's a tangible signal of growth. Especially when you look year over year. I think when you're watching guys play every week, it's like watching the grass grow. You don't really notice. But if you take a step back and look at… pic.twitter.com/JJtPzv6Plc
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026
Mark Daigneault on throwing Ajay Mitchell into Game 1 of the NBA Finals last year: “I look back on that and say he's making me look bad at that point. I probably should’ve been playing him more… In hindsight, after seeing him play this year, I don't know if I should be getting… pic.twitter.com/6AJxt7JT50
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026
When talking about Mitchell, Daigneault referenced how great he was in high-intensity workouts among the non-rotation players during last year’s playoff run
Asked if Jalen Williams is participating in those, Daigneault said: “He’s not playing in them right now.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026
Jared McCain on the OKC crowd: “They're great vibes. When you hit a big shot throughout the whole game, they cheer for you as loud as possible. That’s the best feeling ever.”
Also said he plans on framing the photo of him and the OKC crowd doing his 3P celebration last night pic.twitter.com/cLKHpihJ5F
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026
Jared McCain on keeping up with the Sixers’ playoff run: “I watch them pretty closely. Those are still my guys. Those are my brothers, so I'm definitely watching them and always rooting for them no matter what.” pic.twitter.com/OWDqw8elMS
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026
Jared McCain jokingly said Lu Dort is the toughest guy to joke around with. Also is unsure if Mark Daigneault will be featured in one of his TikTok videos: “I don’t really know if he has rhythm for that.” pic.twitter.com/v8FkU1sYOJ
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026
Jared McCain on where’d he put his framed photo of him and the OKC crowd doing his 3P celebration last night: “Maybe right above my bed. Right when I wake up, I just look at that and it reminds me that this is where I'm supposed to be.” pic.twitter.com/hC93rZG9rz
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026
Isaiah Hartenstein on helping SGA when he’s trapped: “We have a lot of guys who make smart reads. We feel really comfortable when they're trapping just making the right reads out of that… If we catch it in the pocket, it's an easy read for us.” pic.twitter.com/aOxgH2UUlj
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026
Isaiah Hartenstein on his floater celebration: “I think J-Will or J-Dub started it. I don't know why, but I guess we just started running with it. To me, it still makes no sense.” pic.twitter.com/1AHIKg0fyU
