Recap: OKC Thunder’s Thursday practice (Nov. 2)
The Oklahoma City Thunder held practice the day after their 110-106 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. After leading by 22 points, the Thunder suffered an ugly defeat against the Pelicans, who were without Brandon Ingram.
The loss drops OKC’s record to 3-2 on the young season. It’ll continue its long six-game homestand when it welcomes the Golden State Warriors on Friday, Nov. 3 for the first in-season tournament game.
Following practice, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault and Aaron Wiggins spoke with the media.
During the session, Daigneault announced Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss Friday’s game with a left knee sprain he suffered against the Pelicans. He also said Jaylin Williams (hamstring strain) and Kenrich Williams (back spasms) continue to progress with the former closer to returning than the latter.
Let’s recap what Daigneault and Wiggins had to say along with other practice notes.
Mark Daigneault said SGA (left knee sprain) is out tomorrow
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 2, 2023
Mark Daigneault said Jaylin Williams (hamstring strain) & Kenrich Williams (back spasms) are progressing well from their injuries
Also said Jaylin is closer to returning than Kenrich
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 2, 2023
SGA — barefooted — shooting FTs with Tre Mann & Aaron Wiggins today at practice pic.twitter.com/ylCNQJ8VBB
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 2, 2023
Mark Daigneault on Aaron Wiggins' cutting: "He's just got great instincts for it. He really sees the weak side. He's got great timing. He never seems to be cutting hard… He kinda slithers and does half-speed cuts."
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 2, 2023
Mark Daigneault on the in-season tournament games: "I think it's a great idea. I think for a team like us, the value of it is any game you can add more noise and distractions that we kinda have to cut through, the better… It strengthens your focus."
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 2, 2023
Mark Daigneault on SGA’s comments about teams being allowed to play a little more physical with him so far this season: pic.twitter.com/xn31HvIiF3
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 2, 2023
Aaron Wiggins on Cason Wallace: "He reminds me of me a little bit honestly. He's quiet, doesn't say too much. When we're in practice, he's focused… He just kinda stays level-headed."
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 2, 2023
Aaron Wiggins on the City Edition uniform: "I thought that they were unique. I liked them… I thought it kinda pertained and points towards to the (OKC citizens)."
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 2, 2023
I asked Aaron Wiggins about this interaction and why he ditched the headband https://t.co/a0neMQjltt pic.twitter.com/420QQVjJSy
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 2, 2023
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in good spirits at practice he was trying to imitate Tre Mann’s shot at the line barefoot. He later said “[the rim on this goal] is trash, y’all ever notice that?” SGA usually works at the goal on the top far left of the facility. pic.twitter.com/rJMtFCm6KQ
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 2, 2023
