When discussing the OKC Thunder, it is quite easy to point to their electric defense, respectable offense, and stupendous play of reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
However, the club's overall success seems to stem from the internal desire to challenge one another in an effort to consistently perform at a higher level. At least, that's what head coach Mark Daigneault alluded to during a recent media session.
"It's a team that enjoys playing the game and enjoys competing," Daigneault said. "You have to have a team that can generate its own energy, and that’s what great about these guys. They generate their own energy."
The question asked of Daigneault stemmed from Jalen Williams previously admitting to competing with Cason Wallace to see which player ends up with the most steals.
It's healthy competition driven by a desire to win collectively, not to see a teammate fail.
In other words, this OKC squad believes in each other while also engaging in healthy competition. The result speaks for itself, as the Thunder currently hold the best record in the NBA with a spectacular mark of 21-1.
Thunder players compete with one another to bring out their best
Mark Diagneault's Thunder squad features the league's best defense. There are a number of players who will make All-Defensive teams. Some players could even compete for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
On Tuesday, the NBA announced that Cason Wallace was selected as the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for games played in October and November. The 22-year-old is tied for eighth in defensive win shares and third in steals per outing.
As a team, the Thunder's 103.6 defensive rating is the best mark in the NBA by a significant margin. They would not be where they are without Wallace's contributions, but there are a number of players on the roster who could have realistically been named the Defensive Player of the Month.
Daigneault deserves credit as well. While he has a deep roster to work with, the Thunder head coach often makes the right rotation adjustments. His coaching is clearly working, as OKC is playing an elite brand of basketball.
The players also seem to respect him.
Additionally, Daigneault has given players such as Wallace opportunities to shine. Wallace was expected to draw Sixth Man of the Year consideration, but he's been consistently starting games so far this season.
Daigneault was named the Western Conference Coach of the Month for games played in October and November as well. The NBA is taking notice of Daigneault and the Thunder's impressive consistency.
It has been a tremendous start for an Oklahoma City squad that is displaying no signs of slowing down anytime soon.