Daigneault Confident Holmgren And Williams Will Recover In NBA Finals After Tough Start

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Mark Daigneault remains optimistic about Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams' ability to recover after a tough start in the NBA Finals for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The two, who were lottery picks in 2022, managed only 23 points together on 8-of-28 shooting during the Thunder's narrow 111-110 defeat to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1.

Williams had been averaging 20.4 points, along with 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists throughout the Western Conference playoffs. Despite experiencing a shooting slump over three games in the semi-finals, he still managed to average 22.2 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves and achieved a career-playoff-high of 34 points in Game 4.

Holmgren's playoff performance included an average of 16.4 points and 8.6 rebounds, though he only scored six points in Game 1 against the Pacers within just 24 minutes on the court. "Usually delivering in the Finals is not on the curriculum for third-year players, and they have thrust themselves into that situation, which is a credit to them," Daigneault remarked after Saturday's practice.

The coach emphasized that both players need to maintain their competitive spirit and continue learning from each game as they have throughout the playoffs. "They haven't always played their best game, but they always get themselves ready to play the next one," Daigneault noted.

With Oklahoma aiming to even out the series at home on Sunday, Williams embraces the pressure it brings to his performance. "I try and think of myself as somebody that's very uncommon," said Williams. He added that he doesn't consider himself just a third-year player because it might lead to excuses; instead, he focuses on playing without reservations.

Williams further expressed his enjoyment of being relied upon by his team: "Pressure is a privilege. So, I enjoy being counted on and doing that." He feels this expectation has been present since last year, emphasizing his role in supporting his teammates as they reach the Finals.

As Oklahoma City Thunder prepares for their next challenge, both Holmgren and Williams are expected to rise above their initial setbacks and contribute significantly to their team's efforts in levelling the series against Indiana Pacers.