Thunders Mark Daigneault breaks down ugly start vs. Pacers

Published: Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 5:07 am

Thunder Fall Short Against Pacers in Finals Rematch

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive 47-point performance, suffered a narrow 117-114 defeat against the Indiana Pacers in a highly anticipated rematch. Despite a valiant 18-point comeback effort, the Thunder couldn't overcome the Pacers' consistent play throughout the game.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the Pacers' strong performance, particularly their ability to maintain a lead after the Thunder briefly held a 2-0 advantage early in the first quarter. Daigneault highlighted the impact of the early deficit, stating it significantly reduced the Thunder's margin for error for the remainder of the game. He emphasized that while a comeback was possible, the Pacers ultimately executed better, securing the victory.

The game's closing moments were tense, with the Thunder pulling within one point with just 7.8 seconds remaining. However, a missed three-point attempt by Isaiah Joe dashed their hopes of forcing overtime. The Pacers then regained possession and closed out the game with a three-point win.

Daigneault praised his team's fight and competitiveness, noting that they played well for a significant portion of the game despite a less-than-stellar shooting night. He credited the Pacers for their consistent effort throughout the entire 48 minutes, which ultimately proved decisive. The Pacers' perimeter shooting, with 16 successful three-pointers, contrasted with the Thunder's 7-of-26 performance from beyond the arc.

The loss marked only the Thunder's third home defeat. The Pacers' victory was considered one of their most impressive of the season.

BNN's Perspective:

This game highlights the importance of maintaining consistent performance throughout the entirety of a basketball game. While the Thunder's comeback demonstrated resilience, the Pacers' ability to sustain their effort and capitalize on opportunities ultimately secured their victory. This game serves as a reminder that even with star power, consistent execution and a strong team effort are crucial for success in the NBA.

Keywords: Oklahoma City Thunder, Pacers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Mark Daigneault, NBA, basketball, game, loss, comeback, Isaiah Joe, three-pointer, Indiana Pacers, Paycom Center, home loss, defending champions, Ajay Mitchell, Andrew Nembhard

Full Story