The Oklahoma City Thunder held practice on Sunday, Dec. 21. They are amid a two-day break before they have a home-and-road back-to-back. That will start when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, Dec. 22.
The Thunder hope to bounce back from their 112-107 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. A lot of social media noise was stirred up in that contest. Specifically from Chris Finch, who was ejected six minutes into the game as he was upset about a couple of non-calls.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault and Isaiah Joe talked to the local media after practice. Joe talked about how excited he is to play on Christmas for the first time.
Here’s what else happened at OKC’s Sunday, Dec. 21 practice:
Isaiah Joe on returning from his knee injury: “We have the best organization when it comes to keeping guys ready whenever you’re out. The best teammates, coaching staff.” pic.twitter.com/OxbT8z9dhg
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 21, 2025
Isaiah Joe on OKC’s Christmas game: “It’s fun. It’ll be my first Christmas Day game, so I’m excited. I think the rest of the guys are as well. We get to be home for Christmas and play in front of our fans and family.” pic.twitter.com/yilQYOPLpk
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 21, 2025
Isaiah Joe on OKC’s 1-2 record the last 3 games: “We’re not a perfect team but we do believe in growth through wins and losses… We believe with what we got, we can go a long way.” pic.twitter.com/GbXnDUULoc
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 21, 2025
Mark Daigneault on Ajay Mitchell’s growth in the clutch: “It’s always interesting with less experienced players when you see them in pressured situations… Sometimes they get more aggressive and quicker. Sometimes they get less aggressive and more passive. Sometimes they stay in… pic.twitter.com/yaqrToVLMf
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 21, 2025
Mark Daigneault on OKC playing on Christmas: “It’s a big day in the NBA. The guys are excited to play on that slate of games… It is an elevated circumstance because of the attention on the game and the noise around it.” pic.twitter.com/GkdznV4dg2
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 21, 2025
Mark Daigneault on Alex Caruso’s 12 rebounds in Minnesota and how it relates to him thriving in high-pressure situations: “He’s a gamer. He’s ready to play every night. He does not have a lower speed.” pic.twitter.com/6OwmRCQNb9
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 21, 2025