The Oklahoma City Thunder held practice on Wednesday. They’ve enjoyed a two-day break after they opened their preseason with a unique road back-to-back.
Last time out, the Thunder dropped a 106-89 preseason loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. Cooper Flagg stole headlines as he made his Dallas debut. Meanwhile, OKC sat out all of its top players as the offense struggled to generate buckets.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault and Alex Caruso talked to the media after practice. Daigneault discussed what he’s seen from Ousmane Dieng as he enters his fourth season. Meanwhile, Caruso broke down his lust for another championship ring.
Here’s what the Thunder said at their practice on Wednesday, Oct. 8:
Mark Daigneault: “Good practice today. We got up and down. Had a physical practice. Got back to bumping a little bit. Thought we took a step forward.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 8, 2025
Mark Daigneault on Ousmane Dieng: “He’s been good. He’s got really good size. He’s still one of our youngest players because of how young he was when he came in. He’s made significant steps to his body and game. Much more confident now than I think he’s ever been.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 8, 2025
Alex Caruso said his relaxed regular season last year was beneficial. Some of his missed time was due to soft tissue stuff they were cautious with: “I think that’s probably around the right idea… I think it benefitted me and the team.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 8, 2025
Alex Caruso on Chris Youngblood: “Obviously a tremendous shooter. He’s locked and loaded every time the ball comes his way… Every day he comes in with a smile in his face and working hard.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 8, 2025
Alex Caruso on his experience being a defending NBA champion: “Some of the things I will convey to the team just about how it’s different being the hunted vs. being the hunter. I think our mindset is still hunter… This team is a little different than that LA team. I think we… pic.twitter.com/d4wCrtdnsb
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 8, 2025
Alex Caruso: “Every year I’m in the league I think I can win a championship… That’s our goal. It would be a lie if we said, ‘No we’re just going to show up a try to have a good year.’ Obviously we want to win the championship again… There’s a lot that goes into that. Humbly,… pic.twitter.com/VtXB5oINxI
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 8, 2025
Alex Caruso on SGA wanting more rings: “Greatness doesn’t rest. That’s what I’ve seen from the guys in the league that are Hall-of-Famers… Shai comes in every day like he’s trying to make the team. He’s the most competitive guy on our team day in and day out… I’ve seen it with… pic.twitter.com/EuxZeMHgPi
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 8, 2025
Alex Caruso on his championship rings: “One’s not enough. I won my 2nd one last year and now I want a 3rd . It’s addicting dude. Once you get the first one, you want the next one more.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 8, 2025