How Mark Daigneault uses Mother Nature to motivate Thunder in championship season

Fresh off an NBA championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein has been reflecting on his successful season, which included career-high averages of 11.2 points and 10.7 rebounds. As a key player in their title run, he utilized a double-big lineup alongside Chet Holmgren during the playoffs and has since appeared on various media outlets, including "The Rich Eisen Show," to discuss his departure from the New York Knicks and his Thunder experience.

During his interview, Hartenstein humorously revealed an unconventional motivational tactic employed by Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. Describing Daigneault as "very good crazy," Hartenstein explained that the coach would show players videos of animals hunting before games or practices, connecting these nature scenes to basketball concepts. Hartenstein praised Daigneault's unique ability to motivate and explain the game, calling him a "great coach" whose stoic demeanor instills confidence in the team.

Hartenstein further emphasized Daigneault's impact, highlighting his constant reinforcement of a "0-0 mentality" to keep players balanced and present-focused. He also commended Daigneault's exceptional in-game adjustments, stating the coach has become one of his favorites to play for. This insight into Daigneault's methods—which helped transform him from an unknown rebuild coach to a widely recognized top NBA coach—was a standout moment of the interview.