May 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

20-Year NBA Veteran Reacts to OKC Thunder Reaching Finals vs Wolves

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Matt Guzman | Last updated May 29, 2025 12:35 AM ET

Still the youngest team in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder are headed to the NBA Finals over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Game 5 at Paycom Center was another blowout in favor of the Western Conference's No. 1 seed, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned his keep as the series' Most Valuable Player. He finished the five-game matchup with an efficient 34-point outing to help propel Oklahoma City to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.

Former LA Clippers star Jamal Crawford made sure to give the point guard his flowers.

Not before his coach, however.

Will talk about SGA, will talk about the Thunder’s supporting stars, will talk about their defense. ( All for good reason) BUT a hidden thing in this, their coach is a SUPERSTAR on the sidelines. Much respect to coach Daigneault
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) May 29, 2025

"Will talk about S.G.A.," Crawford wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "will talk about the Thunder’s supporting stars, will talk about (its) defense ... BUT a hidden thing in this, (its) coach is a SUPERSTAR on the sidelines. Much respect to coach (Mark) Daigneault."

Daigneault was in contention for this season's Coach of the Year Award, earning two first-place votes and a slew of third-place votes, but despite not taking home the hardware, his role in Oklahoma City has not been minimized.

9 years ago, Mark Daigneault and Alex Caruso were a part of OKC Thunder's G-League team

Now, the two are headed to the NBA Finals pic.twitter.com/NgBSDPQb7c
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) May 29, 2025

Behind his leadership, the Thunder will take on the winner of the New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers series in the NBA Finals with a chance to win its first championship in franchise history.

And Daigneault would certainly prefer a Larry O'Brien Trophy over a Coach of the Year Award.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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