Mark Daigneault reveals the ‘catalyst’ of the Thunder’s 30-2 run against the Cavs

OKLAHOMA CITY — In a 134-114 victory against Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault revealed what led to a decisive 30-2 run in the first half. This led to a 43-point second quarter for Thunder Thursday, who is the coach of the Cavs Kenny Atkinson called the match more than the second game. The game-defining run started in the opening frame and carried into the second quarter as Oklahoma City went ahead and never looked back.

After the win, Daigneault praised his team’s defense and aggressiveness, which he is he said The Thunder fell short eight days ago when the Cavs handed Oklahoma City their first loss in 16 tries.

“We were stacking the stations; we turned them over. “Great activity, and I thought we just handled the point of attack a lot better tonight,” Daigneault said. “We were able to numb that part of the game, and last week we were right behind the ball the whole game.” And really, they had their way in terms of touching the paint against us and rooting for us on individual defense. That didn’t happen to us much.

“We just wanted to get it under control and see if we could do it against this team.” When we did that, we were able to put them behind the game and use our pressure and aggressiveness, and I thought that was the catalyst. Two points over that part is a small number.”

The Thunder forced the Cavs into 13 turnovers in the first half. Oklahoma City shot at a clip of 60.9%, including 11 3-pointers in the game’s first two quarters, before scoring a game-high 44 points in the third. Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 goals in the game 40 points in the first half. He also finished with eight assists and two blocks.

Lou Dort added 22 points, including six 3-pointers, and Jaylen Williams finished with 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals in an impressive win for the Thunder.

Kenny Atkinson says Thunder clash ‘more than just another game’

Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson admitted he went into last week’s game against the Thunder relaxed, but he didn’t have the same approach going into Thursday’s game.

Atkinson he said it meant more ahead of the rematch against the Thunder, according to NBA.com.

“Last game we said it’s just another game, thinking about it more, no, it’s more than another game,” Atkinson said. “It’s the best of the East versus the best of the West, and it’s just elevated in every sense.” Our guys feel it, I feel it. We tried to play like the first game, and we kind of said, ‘No, that’s wrong.’ So let’s call it what it is.”

Coach Marc Daigneault and the Thunder will face the Mavericks on Friday for the second night of back-to-back games.