From the outset of the 2025-26 season, improvement has been an underlying theme for head coach Mark Daigneault in Oklahoma City Thunder training camp, in preparation for the competition that awaits a defending champion. As the youngest team in the league, growth remains a priority, as veteran Alex Caruso reminded reporters of the two Game 7s that pushed the Thunder to the brink of elimination en route to its first title. There is room for improvement.

Daigneault explained why the Thunder must get better amidst a competitive Western Conference and its title defense.

“It can come across as arrogant if presented the wrong way. We win the championship, and if you come out of that, it's like, we can still get better,” Daigneault said. “That's got a tone in it that doesn't feel great,

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