OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reacted to rookie Aday Mara's season-high 18 points after a 114-75 blowout win over the Washington Wizards. While Jared McCain led the Thunder's bench in scoring in Saturday's win at the Paycom Center, Mara stuffed the stat sheet in his second-career start, going 8-for-10, including his first NBA 3-pointer, and finishing with eight rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.

After the Thunder win, Daigneault reminded reporters of how difficult it is for Mara, or any rookie center, to adapt to the NBA in their first season.

“Aday’s done a great job, like we said last night. He’s been really consistent,” Daigneault said. “He’s played impactful minutes every single night, which is hard to do for a rookie player, especially at that position. It’s a hard position.”

“Aday’s done a great job, like we said last night. He’s been really consistent. He’s played impactful minutes every single night, which is hard to do for a rookie player, especially at that position.

It’s a hard position”

Mark Daigneault very impressed with Aday Mara’s… pic.twitter.com/2UQ6ElnLFh

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) November 8, 2026

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault featured Aday Mara in a double-big starting lineup alongside Chet Holmgren and veteran forward Kenrich Williams in his frontcourt. The Thunder continue to find success amid adversity with an all-hands-on-deck approach making up for the devastating injuries to starters Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, and Chet Holmgren.

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After a brief two-game skid against the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets, the Thunder have won four straight, improving to 8-2 on the regular season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 14 of his game-high 30 points in the third quarter before resting throughout the final frame, as the Thunder's bench and Mara put the finishing touches on a 39-point win at home.

McCain led the second unit with 19 points. Ajay Mitchell finished with a dozen points, four rebounds, and one steal, and Thunder rookie Bennett Stirtz added 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one block. The Thunder will travel to face the Portland Blazers on Tuesday.