Thunder’s Mark Daigneault admits they ‘could’ve been better’ on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doubles

The Oklahoma City Thunder dusted off a pedestrian performance in the first half to eventually notch a convincing win over the Los Angeles Lakers, 108-90, in Game 1 of their second-round series at Paycom Center on Tuesday.

The Thunder, who only led by seven points at the break, found their groove in the third quarter to take control of the contest. The defending champions held the Lakers to 42% from the field. Oklahoma City scored 20 points off Los Angeles’ 18 turnovers.

Chet Holmgren had 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 18 points, three rebounds, six assists, and two blocks.

While they drew first blood in the best-of-seven clash, coach Mark Daigneault admitted that they could improve in countering the Lakers’ double teams against Gilgeous-Alexander.

“I thought collectively, we could have been better. It obviously was not clean. It was a little clunky,” said Daigneault in the video posted by Thunder Wire’s Clemente Almanza.

Mark Daigneault on SGA facing doubles: “I thought collectively, we could’ve been better.”

Also said he told the team that: “You can’t get greedy with playoff wins.” pic.twitter.com/LIb5WUQc47

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 6, 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander, who admitted to having a little rust, only took 15 shots and had seven turnovers, as the Lakers honed in on him.

The reigning MVP averaged 33.8 points on 55.1% shooting in the first round against the Phoenix Suns. He also logged 3.8 rebounds and 8.0 assists.

Daigneault, a former Coach of the Year, will probably not drastically alter his strategy, but he might devise more ways to get the other players involved when Gilgeous-Alexander gets swarmed.

Besides, it is the Lakers’ job to figure them out.

The Thunder swept the Lakers in the regular season, 4-0, by an average of 29.3 points.

Game 2 is on Thursday.

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