Mark Daigneault to Coach in 2025 NBA All-Star Game Following Thunders Victory
In a commanding performance, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 127-101 victory against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, bolstering their impressive season record to 35-7. This triumph not only solidified their position at the top of the Western Conference but also earned Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault a notable accolade: he will serve as one of the head coaches in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. Daigneault becomes the first Oklahoma City coach to receive this honor since Scott Brooks during the 2013-14 season.
Following the game, Daigneault expressed his gratitude to those within the organization who have contributed to the team's success over the years. He stated, 'This opportunity is an honor. Huge thank you to all the people that are behind the scenes in the organization who work with the players not only this season but previous seasons. Obviously, this has been a build, and a lot of people have their fingerprints on that.' Additionally, he recognized the dedication of the assistant coaching staff, emphasizing their long-standing commitment to the team's development.
Daigneault, who was awarded the 2023-24 Coach of the Year after leading the Thunder to a remarkable turnaround, guided the team to a 57-25 record this season, a significant improvement from the 40-42 finish and a 10th place standing in the Western Conference from the previous season. The Thunder's success has been driven in large part by star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is enjoying a career season with averages of 31.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will feature a new mini-tournament format consisting of four teams and three games, with one team comprising the champion from the Castrol Rising Stars competition, scheduled for February 14.