Thunder's week-long gap between games: Will it help or hurt their NBA Finals chances?
Posted on: May 30, 2025 00:31 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
okla. Metropolis — The okla. Metropolis boom have a week off before playing again in the NBA Finals.
How the Thunder, who defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in the Western Conference finals, handle that stretch could set the tone for the championship series against either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks that starts June 5 in Oklahoma City.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault expects his young players to handle the situation just like they’ve handled everything else that’s been thrown at them this season.
“They’re highly professional, consistently professional,” he said. “They’re high-character people. They come from high-character circles. They’re unbelievably competitive. They put the work in behind it consistently through the ups and downs. And most of all, they are team first.”
The Thunder have had long breaks between games during the playoffs the past two years, with mixed results.
They swept the New Orleans Pelicans in last year’s first round, then beat Dallas 117-95 at home in Game 1 of the conference semifinals after waiting eight days between games. The Thunder eventually lost that series 4-2.
After this year's series against Memphis, the Thunder were in a similar situation. Denver’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers went seven games, so Daigneault gave the players some extra rest since there were nine days between games. The focus for the team was less on an opponent at first and more on fine-tuning his team’s issues.
“I mean, really just reinforcement of fundamentals,” he said heading into the Denver series. “The game defensively is going to come down to transition D , it’s going to come down to individual D, help D, coverage, communication, closeouts, rebounding. So we’re looking at the series through that lens. And then offensively, all the fundamentals on that end of the floor that transcend each coverage and pull it up.”
The Thunder lost to Denver 121-119 at home in Game 1 of the conference semifinals, but came back and won Game 2 131-80 and eventually won the series 4-3.
Daigneault's team learns well on the fly, so no experience is wasted for the squad that posted a league-best 68-14 record in the regular season.
“This team, as they’ve always done, they just internalize the experience," he said. "They strip the emotion, they learn the lesson and then they compete presently in the next moment. And that’s why we improved at the rate that we have.”
NBA: /hub/NBA
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.