Thunder coach did not like ESPN reporter’s question during interview

 

Nov 7, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder Head coach Mark Daigneault questions a call during the in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was not a fan of the question he was asked during his in-game interview on Wednesday night.

Daigneault’s Thunder were facing the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. The game was nationally televised by ESPN, and ESPN reporter Andraya Carter interviewed Daigneault after the first quarter.

During her interview, Carter asked Daigneault about the Victor Wembanyama-Chet Holmgren matchup. Rather than discuss the touted matchup between the two young big men, Daigneault shifted the conversation. The perturbed coach reminded Carter that the game was between the Spurs and Thunder, not Wembanyama and Holmgren.

Those who follow the Thunder knew that answer from Daigneault was coming.

During his pregame press conference, Daigneault shut down the same narrative and reminded reporters that the game was between teams and not individuals.

Credit to Daigneault for not getting sucked into the marketing narrative for the game. Besides, if Carter were to ask about any Thunder player, she probably should have brought up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is having a great season and was off to a strong start in the game.

It must be odd seeing a nationally televised game involving the Spurs where it’s not Gregg Popovich giving a sideline reporter a hard time.