Mark Daigneault reveals ‘masterful’ mindset behind historic Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Game 3

PHOENIX — Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made NBA history in a 121-109 Game 3 victory to take a 3-0 lead in a first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, which didn’t surprise coach Mark Daigneault one bit. Gilgeous-Alexander became only the second NBA player to score 40+ points on at least 83.3% shooting in a playoff game. Shai made 15-for-18 from the floor and a near-perfect 11-for-12 from the free-throw line.

After pushing the Suns to the brink of elimination, Daigneault addressed Gilgeous-Alexander’s approach and how he remained poised in the Thunder’s first playoff road game of the season.

“He’s never thrown off by anything outside of himself,” Daigneault said. “He’s mastered the art of staying disciplined and staying inside of himself. Controlling what he can control at a very high level. That’s what allows him to stay in games when things aren’t going his way. I think that’s what allows him to improve. He feels a sense of control over his game/his craft, and as a result, he also feels a sense of control over his performance.”

Mark Daigneault’s reaction to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s playoff career-high 42-point performance in Game 3: He’s mastered the art of staying disciplined and staying inside of himself.

Controlling what he can control at a very high level. That’s what allows him to stay in games… pic.twitter.com/7VqG6dJhdP

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) April 25, 2026

After the Suns jumped out to a 10-point lead in the opening frame, the Thunder settled into Game 3 before taking a nine-point lead (62-53) into halftime. From there, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault watched Gilgeous-Alexander score 25 of his 42 points in the second half, leading the defending champions to a 3-0 lead in their best-of-7 series.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s honest take on Game 3 approach

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reminded reporters that his team has historically struggled in Game 3s. The Thunder nearly lost three of its four Game 3 matchups in last year’s championship run, of which Gilgeous-Alexander says gave him extra motivation heading into Saturday’s road game against the Suns.

“We typically struggle with these games. Last year, we go down big in Memphis, Game 3. We lose Game 3 in the Denver series. We lose by 40. And we lose Game 3 in Indiana. So, we really wanted to come out here and put our best foot forward. Across the board, really play to our identity. Give ourselves a chance. I think in those games, we veered from who we were throughout the course of the game. And kind of put ourselves in a hole in different ways.

“Tonight, I think we did a really good job of staying present. Obviously, we know the history of us in Game 3s.”

The Suns will host the Thunder in Game 4 on Monday.

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