The Oklahoma City Thunder are riding high after a commanding 108-90 Game 1 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, but they're not resting on their laurels. On Wednesday, the team held a film session to break down what worked and what needs sharpening before Game 2. After a slow start, the Thunder found their rhythm in the second half, pulling away to take a 1-0 series lead—and the energy in the building was electric.
Head coach Mark Daigneault, along with key contributors Isaiah Hartenstein and Jared McCain, spoke to the media afterward. Daigneault addressed a major storyline: the Lakers' aggressive double-teaming of star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. "I think what threw us off a little bit last night was just how aggressively they did it," Daigneault said. "They were doing it in transition at times. We're coming up the floor and they don't even have five guys back, and they're calling a double-team. It's a bold strategy, and we need to be better prepared to handle it in Game 2."
Hartenstein, ever the team player, offered a simple solution: "I can be an escape valve. If they're sending two at Shai, I'll be ready to catch and make a play." Meanwhile, rookie Jared McCain made his presence felt off the bench, dropping 12 crucial points in Game 1. He credited the playoff crowd for fueling his big-time buckets, saying the atmosphere helped him stay locked in during those key moments that ultimately put the Lakers away.
Daigneault also had high praise for LeBron James, who came out firing in Game 1. "Credit him. He was in first-punch mode to start the game—really aggressive early. It was clear he wanted to set a tone for the series," Daigneault noted. But the Thunder's resilience and chemistry were on full display, a trait Daigneault emphasized as a cornerstone of the team's identity. "I really believe that if you have a skeptical or cynical locker room, then the first time a guy dribbles off his foot, everybody's rolling their eyes. That has a huge impact on a young player's confidence. We don't have that at all," he said.
When asked about Chet Holmgren's playoff performance, Daigneault highlighted the big man's growth. "It's a tangible signal of improvement. Especially when you look year over year. When you're watching guys play every week, it's like watching grass grow—you don't really notice. But if you take a step back, you see how far he's come."
With Game 2 looming, the Thunder are focused on adjustments, chemistry, and continuing to feed off that home-court energy. For fans looking to rep their team, now's the perfect time to gear up in Thunder apparel and support the squad as they chase another playoff win.
