The Oklahoma City Thunder finished the first-round playoffs in the ultimate fashion, as well. They were the top-seeded in the Western Conference at the end of the regular season. And now, they become the second team to advance to the second round after a 4-0 series sweep against the New Orleans Pelicans. To add to the sweet victory, their coach, Mark Daigneault, was named the NBA Coach of the Year last night.

And as he did, the modest coach gave all the credit to his team of efficient players. Hilariously enough, he swallowed those words after tonight’s victory. After the 97-89 win over New Orleans, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. doused their coach with water to show their appreciation and love.

When he was asked about it, Daigneault said laughing, “Our players are idiots.” 

It truly was a moment for celebration. The OKC Thunder is the second-youngest team in the league. And for them to end the season on the top and continue that momentum into the playoffs surely deserves merit. It’s easier when a team has to keep fighting to get to the top. But to maintain their position; that’s a tough job. And there were a few times when the team dropped down to the third rank.

Yet, the Thunder stuck to their routine and trusted each other and their coach. The result was a blowout 4-0 series sweep!

The incredible turnaround in OKC got Mark Daigneault the honor he deserved

The Oklahoma City Thunder has had a tough few years. The 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons saw OKC end their seasons as the 14th seed. Although the Thunder clinched a play-in position next season, they failed to make the playoffs. And now, in the fourth season of Mark Daigneault as the head coach, they have become the top-seeded team in the Western Conference!

If that isn’t a major improvement, then what is? While incredible coaching is one aspect, the players have an important role in the success of a franchise. And Daigneault is only too aware of it. “I’ve used the word ‘uncommon’ with this team all year and the reason I think they are so uncommon is incredible ambition, they care about their individual careers, they work incredibly hard individually,” he said to the Inside crew after the announcement of the award.

“But they also really appreciate each other’s success and they root for each other, they’re behind each other…We compete together as a team,” he finished. Well, the teamwork has certainly paid off handsomely. Now, they are waiting for the results of the Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers. The two teams are tied at 2-2, with LA winning the last round.