What Mark Daigneault wants OKC to do better after close against the Timberwolves

Oklahoma. and home – Mark Daigneault and the Oklahoma City Thunder extended their winning streak to 10 games to improve to an 18-1 regular season record with a 113-105 NBA Cup victory against Minnesota Timberwolves. After Thunder’s veteran guard Alex Caruso warned his team about the scary part of games, starting with a rematch of the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves, Minnesota proved Caruso’s point.

Still, the Thunder prevailed, holding the Timberwolves to a 12-4 late-game run, the kind of adversity Daigneault appreciated for his near-perfect team, which has the best record in the NBA.

“It was a game that was in the mud. There were parts of the game that were very difficult for us. Some of it was making shots. I thought we made some really good plays and found some really good shots that just didn’t fall, which is part of the game. But there are areas we have to improve on. I thought Edwards lost, especially he lost 12 free throws.

“Our fundamentals have to be better defensively so we don’t put him on the line like that. So that’s something we can learn from this game and work on. But overall, we made enough plays to win.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 40 points on 12-of-19 shooting, 15-of-17 free throws, six rebounds, six assists and three steals led the Thunder to victory. Isaiah Hartenstein finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, one block and one steal, and Ajay Mitchell led the way off the bench with 13 points and three assists.

Daigneault believes in winning on Friday over the Timberwolves makes Thunder better teamgiven the adversity they faced in a hard fought victory.

“I thought both teams played a tough, physical game. That’s why it was good for us. We’re the better team because we played that game.”

Marc Daigneault after the Thunder’s win against the Timberwolves: “I thought both teams played a tough, physical game. That’s why it was good for us.”

We are a better team because we played that game” pic.twitter.com/8pzsLMHiPP

— Joshua Pavon (@joe_svai) November 27, 2025

Alex Caruso’s attention-grabbing alert for the Thunder

Thunder veteran Alex Caruso warned his team of a brutal game, which will test its will to fight in critical situations. While he is the head coach Mark Daigneault offered an encouraging update on Jalen Williams‘ day-to-day, the Thunder must continue to go without him amid a challenging stretch of games, which continues after Thanksgiving.

“I’m just trying to continue the consistency that we started this year. Obviously, we’re off to a great start, but there are still areas for improvement,” Caruso said. “And I think some of the teams we’re going to play soon will really push us and see if we’re really committed to the things we’re talking about – which I think we are. But that’s what counts is putting in the work and getting into the games. I’m looking forward to some of those games to come.”

The Thunder will host the Suns at the Pike Center on Friday.