Mark Daigneault, the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been officially named as an All-Star Game coach after leading his team to a decisive 127-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. This victory solidified the Thunder's position at the top of the Western Conference with a record of 35-7 by the deadline of February 2, 2025. The All-Star Game will feature a new tournament format, where Daigneault will coach one of two teams alongside another Thunder assistant in San Francisco on February 16, 2025.
As the Thunder push towards a franchise-record 68 wins this season, they are on track to surpass the average All-Star coach's winning percentage from previous seasons. However, history suggests that many coaches tend to experience a decline in performance following the All-Star break. Despite this, the Thunder's impressive net rating positions them as serious contenders for playoff success. With key players like Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren poised to return soon, the Thunder are a team to watch as they continue their remarkable season.