Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault defended his decision to foul late in Monday's Game 1 loss against the Denver Nuggets, a strategy that preceded the opponent hitting a game-winning shot. Despite the outcome, Daigneault stated he does not regret the approach.
The strategy involves intentionally fouling the opponent when holding a small lead late in the game, aiming to force them to score via free throws rather than a potentially game-tying or game-winning field goal.
"That’s usually our deal is to foul up three and to play that game," Daigneault said after the loss, acknowledging the tactic did not pan out in this instance. He added, "I thought we executed the fouls pretty well... it didn’t go our way tonight, but it’s worked out well for us in the past."
The Nuggets overcame a late deficit, ending the game on a significant run to claim a 121-119 win in the opening contest of the Western Conference semifinals series. Aaron Gordon ultimately hit a game-winning 3-point shot.
Daigneault took responsibility for the timing of the strategy, indicating it might have been initiated too early in the clock. "The backcourt fouls hurt us," he noted. "We can learn from fouling up three, that's on me... It’s probably too early on my part."
He emphasized the players were following instructions. "That's not on the players. They’re executing what I’m telling them to do," the OKC Thunder coach stated.
While the fouling strategy drew scrutiny, other factors also contributed to the Thunder's position in the final moments. Chet Holmgren missed two free throws shortly before Gordon's game-winner; making even one would have given Oklahoma City a three-point lead.
The loss puts the Thunder down 1-0 in the series heading into Wednesday night's Game 2.
Despite the strategic misstep and the loss, Daigneault maintained the decision itself was not the sole cause of defeat. "I didn’t think that’s why we lost the game," he commented.
