After leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 57-25 record and the number 1 seed in the Western Conference, head coach Mark Daigneault has been named the NBA’s coach of the year.
Daigneault ran away with the award accumulating 89 first place votes, and 473 total points to earn the award over fellow finalists Chris Finch and Jamahl Mosley. In doing so, he becomes only the 2nd Thunder coach to capture the award, joining Scott Brooks who earned it back in 2009-10.
“Our team’s success this season is a testament to the exceptional commitment and competitiveness of our players,” said Daigneault. “They are an uncommon group and coaching them is a privilege. Our coaching staff and every member of our organization has their fingerprints on what we have accomplished. It is humbling to work with them. Finally, I am grateful to Clay Bennett and Sam Presti. Representing the Oklahoma City Thunder is an honor.”
The 39 year old bench boss took over coaching duties from Billy Donovan ahead of the 2020-21 campaign following a five-season tenure as the head coach of the club’s G-League affiliate and a season as an assistant with OKC. Across 4 seasons with the Thunder, he’s helped guide the franchise to a 143-175 record.
“We are thrilled for Mark and his coaching staff for the work they have done not just this season but over the last several years,” said Sam Presti, Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Mark’s industriousness, curiosity and consistent approach to improving his craft, have defined his tenure with the Blue and now with the Thunder. We are proud of Mark and his coaching staff, they are deserving of this honor.”
The Thunder currently lead the Pelicans in their first round series 3-0 and have a chance Monday evening to close things out.
Photo: JWay20.