Funny, Thunder head coach reviews his early experiences in coaching the Thunder before the NBA Finals

How Mark Dagnott sows the "seed" for the Thunder's growth in the NBA Finals

Oklahoma City - In the regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder ended with a record of 24 wins and 58 losses, and head coach Mark Dagnott saw a silver lining. All-Star Shay Gilgers-Alexander and best defensive back Lou Dort were the only remaining starters on the team in the 2021-22 season, with Kenridge Williams and then-rookie Aaron Wiggins still on the bench of Daygnot. Still, things have changed dramatically as the Thunder became a favorite to enter the NBA Finals.

After 22 and 24 wins in two consecutive seasons, the Thunder achieved a record of 40 wins in 2022-23, ranking first in the West with a record of 57 wins and 25 losses last season, and this season set a new team record with a record of 68 wins. On NBA Finals Media Day, Dagnott looked back at the early years that laid the foundation for his first NBA Finals.

"Even in the first few years, there were some shining points. That time was challenging at different times. Of course, on paper, they really looked challenging," said Dagnott. "What you feel every day doesn't reflect our record or our position in the league; you can feel something is starting to brew. You can feel the seeds we sow will blossom and bear fruit one day. Even in those seasons, that sign is very obvious."

"So, even then, we were full of confidence. But we don't necessarily believe that we can make the finals now." "You never know when things will come naturally. But we firmly believe that we are building something special and that will last," concluded Dageno.

For Daigno and the Thunder, early habits turned into victory, which not only enhanced personal confidence, but also enhanced team confidence.

"We have gained more experience over time, which makes us more confident about it, but this belief has existed in the first place," added Degno. "It's largely related to how the players train every day, not to the results of the game."

Mark Daigneault recalled how he felt when he learned that the Thunder were building a championship contender:

"Even in the first few years, there were some shining points... You can feel that the seeds we sowed are about to blossom and bear fruit... We firmly believe that we are building an extraordinary team." pic.twitter.com/kfr2IhB5W0

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) June 4, 2025

Now, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has entered the NBA Finals. Chet Holmgren led the Thunder to 17 winning goals before the Finals

Thunder forward Chet Holmgren said the team's confidence infected all teammates. It is this spirit that has made the Thunder a success this season, and they are only four games away from the NBA championship.

"The most important thing is to fight each other for each other. We have exactly this type of players here," said Homegren. "Everyone will tell you that they are winners, everyone is winners until they get into trouble. I feel like we have a team with 17 winners and they will put victory first."

The Thunder will face the Pacers at home.