Thunder narrowly defeated Timberwolves; DeGnott calls for improved defensive fundamentals.
2025-11-28 07:46
Led by scoring from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Ajay Mitchell, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-105 in the 2025/26 NBA Cup group stage. Head coach DeGnott stated that it was a hard-fought victory and specifically urged the team to improve their defense.
According to the data, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points and contributed 6 assists for the Oklahoma City Thunder in this game, Hartenstein scored 15 points and had 2 assists, and Ajay Mitchell contributed 13 points and 3 assists.
Oklahoma City Thunder head coach DeGnott said, "It was a quagmire game, and there were some very difficult moments for us, part of which was shooting. I think we made some good plays and found some good shooting opportunities, but the balls just didn't go in, and that's part of the game."
“We definitely still have areas to improve. I think Anthony Edwards had too much room to maneuver in this game, especially since we fouled him too many times, and he made 12 free throws.”
DeGnott also stated, "Our defensive fundamentals need to be better; we can't keep sending him to the free-throw line like that. That's a lesson we can learn from this game, and it's something we need to work on going forward. But overall, we did enough key things to win the game."
“I think both sides played very hard and the physical contact was intense. That’s why this game was valuable to us, and after playing it, we became a better team.”
In addition, Alex Caruso said, "We are trying to maintain the consistency we have built up this season. We have had a very good start, but there is still room for improvement."
"I think some of the teams we'll be facing next will really put us under pressure, forcing us to test whether we're truly sticking to what we've always emphasized, and I believe we are. But what's really important is putting those principles into practice in the games, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming matches."
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