Shai Gilgeous-Alexander discusses his bond with Coach Mark Daigneault

Thunder sweep Pelicans as Coach of the Year Daigneault leads team to victory, MVP candidate praises coach for strong relationship.

The Oklahoma City Thunder recently had a whirlwind of a few days that left fans and players alike buzzing with excitement.

First, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was rightfully named the Coach of the Year for the 2023-24 season. This accolade was well-deserved, as Daigneault has shown incredible growth and leadership throughout his time with the team.

The very next day, the Thunder pulled off a stunning sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans in their first-round playoff matchup, securing a Game 4 victory. Leading the charge was star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put up an impressive 24-point performance to close out the series.

In a post-game interview, Gilgeous-Alexander spoke highly of Coach Daigneault, highlighting their strong relationship and the coach's selfless and accountable nature. The bond between player and coach has been instrumental in the Thunder's success this season, with Gilgeous-Alexander crediting Daigneault for his own growth and development as a player.

The dynamic between a head coach and franchise star is crucial for a team's success, and it's clear that the partnership between Gilgeous-Alexander and Daigneault is a special one that has only strengthened over time.

As the Thunder continue to make waves in the league, it's evident that the foundation laid by Daigneault and his coaching staff is a key factor in the team's rise to contender status. With players like Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and a coach like Daigneault at the helm, the Thunder are poised for even greater success in the seasons to come.