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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Plots Birthday Surprise for Thunder Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Enzo Flojo | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue their dominant season, and star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made sure to celebrate in more ways than one.

The All-Star guard led the way with 37 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the Thunder took down the Minnesota Timberwolves 130-123 in a thrilling Western Conference battle on Sunday.

After the victory, SGA had something extra planned—a lighthearted birthday surprise for head coach Mark Daigneault.

With the win, Oklahoma City improved to a league-best 46-10, further solidifying its status as one of the NBA’s top contenders.

Daigneault has been a key part of that success, orchestrating one of the most dynamic and well-balanced teams in the league. His ability to get the most out of a young core has been a major storyline this season, with the Thunder emerging as legitimate title contenders.

After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander revealed how the team acknowledged its coach’s special day. He also revealed what he had planned to do for his coach.

“The OKC rookies sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him,” SGA told Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder. “I’m gonna go in the back and give him a noogie and put some water on his head.”

SGA says the OKC rookies sang Mark Daigneault “Happy Birthday”.

“I’m gonna go in the back and give him a noogie and put some water on his head.”
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 24, 2025

The playful moment encapsulated the close-knit bond between the players and their coach, a chemistry that has fueled Oklahoma City’s meteoric rise.

With Daigneault guiding the ship and Gilgeous-Alexander playing at an MVP level, the Thunder’s season has been nothing short of electric. And if their on-court dominance continues, the biggest celebration may come yet.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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