Mark Daigneault Surpasses 100 Career Wins With OKC Thunder
Mark Daigneault has surpassed the 100-win mark after a win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's rebuild has been a rollercoaster, but annual improvement has been a constant. From the get-go, the team had an established culture, though it didn't really shine until the 2022-23 season.
After taking a 16-win jump to become a 40-win team a season ago, the system and foundation Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault made was shining fully. They had a unique system and oftentimes played an unorthodox style, but it allowed the team to win games it might not have otherwise been able to win.
The jump in wins also led to Daingeault being the eventual runner-up for Coach of the Year. Now, with a new season underway, Daigneault is a favorite to win the award. His team is 14-7 and No. 2 in the Western Conference.
With the team's most recent win, Daigneault won his 100th game since becoming a head coach.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work here. I don’t take that for granted. I don’t take Mr. Bennett for granted. ...I work for great people and I love working with our players," Daigneault said at practice on Sunday. "I’m incredibly grateful to be coaching here.”
Daigneault has climbed the coaching ranks since arriving in Oklahoma City. He was good while coaching the Oklahoma City Blue -- the Thunder's G League affiliate. When Billy Donovan parted ways with the team after the 2019-20 season, the Thunder had to hire on short notice, and it ended up being an elevation for Daigneault, who then assumed the role to lead the rebuild.
What Daigneault has done in his three full seasons, considering the hand he's been dealt, has been incredible. In the midst of his fourth season, he seems to have been a home run hire who perfectly encapsulates what it means to be a Thunder.
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