The final stretch of the NBA Regular Season will determine the outcome of the race for the top of the Western Conference. The two teams in contention are those with the best records: the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. OKC has held the No. 1 spot so far, while San Antonio can rely on a softer schedule, with three opponents currently outside the Play-In picture.
In a recent interview, head coach Mark Daigneault and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were asked the same question: how important is it to hold onto the top seed in these final weeks? Their answers, however, revealed two different perspectives.
The 2024 Coach of the YearMark Daigneault, made it clear that his focus is on mindset and collective mental strength – both for the end of the regular season and the playoffs.
If your sense of urgency rises based on the standings, then it wasn’t high enough to begin with. We need it every day – improving, building our identity, competing together for every opportunity. We don’t need external motivation
Mark Daigneault
The former Clippers is firmly in the race for a back-to-back MVP award further proof of an already elite trajectory. But the ultimate goal remains the Larry O’Brien Trophy which is why he takes a more pragmatic approach – fully aware that the top seed is a crucial advantage heading into the postseason.
The No. 1 seed is very important. And not just in the West, but for the entire playoffs. We needed it (home-court advantage, en) in Game 7 against Denver, where you have to compete to come out of the Western Conference. Then we needed it again against Indiana to win the title. So it matters as much as anything
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
It’s likely – perhaps even expected – that those contrasting answers are part of a calculated dynamic. Still, during the Thunder’s most recent playoff runPaycom Center proved to be a major factor: an 11-2 home record, with an average margin of victory of 23.8 points in wins. A clear source of confidence for the team – and a strong warning sign for any opponent.
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