Josh Giddy explains why the location was key to the Thunder’s team chemistry

Aside from a talented roster of defending champions, Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddei knows that it is Oklahoma City ThunderThe chemistry is a testament to the players’ chemistry in a small town. That makes a big difference for some teams. Doc Giddy reflected on what strikes fear into the Bulls’ opponentshe also talked about how important the bond between players is off the field.

For Giddei, that’s another reason why Oklahoma City has such strong chemistry as a teamas the former Thunder guard alluded to his hometown helping in that regard, according to The Young Man & The Three podcast.

“I think one of the big things about why they’re so good is because they’re close to the field. And I think one of the blessings is that there’s nothing to do in Oklahoma,” Giddy said. “So the guys are like, we have to hang out with each other, and that’s what we’ve been doing a lot. Obviously, they’re close and we’ve spent a lot of time together, whether it’s in the locker room, planes, hotels, or whatever it is.”

Josh Giddy, who was traded to the Bulls for Alex Caruso before the 2024-25 season, says he feels the same kind of closeness among his new teammates in his second season in Chicago.

“Now I’m starting to see that more than ever. We have dinners all the time. We hang out together. We do things on the plane, in the hotel, wherever we’re on the road,” Gidi added. “It’s like the guys really enjoy each other’s company. When you love the people you go to work with every day, it makes a big difference in how you play on the court.”

Averaging 21.4 points on 46.3% shooting, including 38.5% from deep, 9.6 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 1.0 steals, Giddy is off to the best start of his career for the Bulls.

Mark Daigneault urges the Thunder to keep the right mindset

Despite the Thunder’s 12-1 start as the defending champions, coach Marc Daigneault urges his players to improve. Midway through the first month of the regular season, Daigneault knows it’s too soon to stop improving as teams across the NBA continue to adjust and find their midseason stride.

“We’re a better team today than we were 13 games ago. The thing is, we’re mature enough to realize there’s 70 more games,” Daigneault said. “And the rest of the league is going to continue to evolve and improve, and we have to do that to keep up with the rest of the league. Guys have done a great job carrying that mindset for a long time.”

After a successful match against the Lakers and Warriors at the Pike Center, the Thunder will meet the Hornets on the road on Saturday.