Mark Daigneault applauds ‘breakout’ player from Thunder’s 126-point outburst vs. Pelicans

The Sacramento Kings will be without starting center Domantas Sabonis for an extended period due to a left knee meniscus tear. This injury was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, and Sabonis had previously missed a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to knee soreness.

Derik Queen received commendation from Nikola Jokic after his impressive performance in the New Orleans Pelicans' 125-118 defeat to the Denver Nuggets. Queen played for 30 minutes, scoring 30 points, along with nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks, shooting 12-of-18 from the field. This performance highlights Queen's potential as a rising star in the league.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell acknowledged three teammates for their support during his breakout season. He highlighted Lu Dort's contributions, including his four three-pointers that helped secure a recent victory. Mitchell's recognition underscores the importance of teamwork in his development as a player.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder attributes his improvement against zone defenses to the challenges faced during last year's playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets employed a zone defense that tested the Thunder's offensive strategies. In a recent game against the Sacramento Kings, the Thunder adapted and found their offensive rhythm, showcasing their growth since last season.

The Denver Nuggets achieved a 125-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, with Peyton Watson delivering a career-high performance of 32 points. This win improved the Nuggets' record to 11-3 overall and 5-2 on the road, despite missing two starters, including Christian Braun due to injury.

Lu Dort emphasized the contagious confidence within the Oklahoma City Thunder following their impressive 15-1 start to the season. After overcoming a shooting slump in a recent victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, Dort's performance contributed significantly to the team's success, showcasing their resilience and determination as defending champions.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder secured their seventh consecutive victory, defeating the Sacramento Kings 113-99. Chet Holmgren contributed 21 points, while Lu Dort scored all 14 of his points in the second half, including 11 in the fourth quarter. The Kings, led by Dennis Schroder with 21 points and DeMar DeRozan with 17, suffered their seventh straight loss.

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised Lu Dort for his impressive performance, making four three-pointers in a recent game against the Sacramento Kings. This marks the second consecutive game where Dort has excelled in shooting, following a previous breakout game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Thunder secured a 113-99 victory, extending their winning streak to seven games.