The Oklahoma City Thunder held a practice session in preparation for the upcoming 2025 NBA playoffs, where they await their Round 1 opponent, likely to be either the Memphis Grizzlies or Dallas Mavericks based on the ongoing play-in tournament for the eighth seed. Head coach Mark Daigneault, along with players Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace, addressed the local media following the practice. Daigneault discussed playoff readiness, Holmgren shared his recovery progress after a three-month absence due to a hip fracture, and Wallace praised teammates Lu Dort and Alex Caruso. The Thunder are set to commence their Round 1 playoff series in three days at Paycom Center, entering the matchup as strong favorites.
During the practice, key insights were shared by the Thunder team members. Daigneault emphasized the importance of regular season habits translating into playoff performance, while also discussing defensive strategies and the mature approach of certain players. Wallace recalled the energy of previous playoffs and highlighted Caruso's defensive impact, while Holmgren expressed readiness and confidence for the upcoming postseason games, noting the differences in his preparation compared to the previous season. Overall, the Thunder squad appears focused and determined as they gear up for the challenges of the playoffs.