The Oklahoma City Thunder held their final practice before the start of the regular season on Tuesday.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault confirmed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will play in the season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Gilgeous-Alexander also spoke with the media for the first time since media day and discussed his rehab process. Ousmane Dieng was the other Thunder player who spoke with the media following practice.
Let’s take a look at the biggest quotes and paraphrases from the final day of a four-day run of practices that the Thunder took full advantage of before starting the season grind.
Here at the Thunder practice facility pic.twitter.com/2LldhcSKDb
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Chet working with Chip Engelland pic.twitter.com/ymKMmgA83W
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Isaiah Joe shooting from outside pic.twitter.com/s4KkiOBAVU
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Mark Daigneault said he expects everybody — minus Chet — to play in tomorrow’s game against the Timberwolves — SGA included
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Mike Muscala putting some shots up pic.twitter.com/i8hPoloT4G
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Some more Chet footage pic.twitter.com/DmvAg2qlzw
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
The Minnesota boys — Chet Holmgren & Mike Muscala — are the last players left on the court
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Chet working on his one-legged shot pic.twitter.com/bzdeyIQXCa
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Chet working on his one-handed shot near the rim pic.twitter.com/shgbIZ6pjD
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
SGA on rehabbing his sprained MCL: “It wasn’t pleasant the first couple of days but I tried to do everything I can to make sure I was good for Game 1 to get back as fast as possible.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
SGA on Ousmane Dieng, Jalen Williams & Jaylin Williams: “I think they’re all ready to go. All smart guys who caught up to the curve quickly.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
SGA said he’s super anxious to play his first game since last season: “There’s nothing like a real game obviously… Love being with my teammates.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
SGA on the Timberwolves: “They’re big, obviously, with their new additions. They had a good run last year in the playoffs. A good, young team. It’ll be a good game tomorrow… Ball will tip. One team will win and one team will lose. Hopefully we’re on the good side of that.” pic.twitter.com/zmhuCXjv9Z
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Mark Daigneault on the excitement level for the season opener: “It’s the first day of school so everybody’s excited… All 30 teams are excited. Our guys are juiced.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Mark Daigneault on SGA gelling with the rookies despite not playing in preseason with them: “It’s the first game. It’s not an end point — it’s a starting point… Everything you see tomorrow — whether it’s good, bad, ugly — is just our starting point and we’re gonna evaluate.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Mark Daigneault also confirmed SGA won’t be on a minutes restriction tomorrow
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Ousmane Dieng on practicing with SGA: “He’s been really good. He’s a really good player. He’s an NBA star.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
Ousmane Dieng on attacking Rudy Gobert when they have the ball: “He’s gonna drop so we need to attack him (with PnR).”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2022
