OKC Thunder Strikes Daily

## Practice Session and Preparation for NBA Cup Quarterfinals
On December 9, the Oklahoma City Thunder held a pivotal practice at the Paycom Center as they fine-tuned their game plan for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Phoenix Suns. Head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized defensive intensity, working closely with wings Lu Dort and Alex Caruso to refine matchups against Devin Booker’s off-ball movement and pick-and-roll execution ([shows.acast.com](https://shows.acast.com/oklahoma-city-thunder-the-daily-news-now/episodes/69308484d6bc23eda2650596?utm_source=openai)). Guard Ajay Mitchell highlighted the team’s collective focus, noting that communication on rotations and closeouts was the primary objective of the session, especially with the in-season tournament’s single-elimination format raising the stakes even higher ([shows.acast.com](https://shows.acast.com/oklahoma-city-thunder-the-daily-news-now/episodes/69308484d6bc23eda2650596?utm_source=openai)).

## Daigneault on “Secret Is Out” Comment
Earlier this week, Suns star Devin Booker asserted that the Thunder’s aggressive defense had become an “open secret” around the league. When questioned about Booker’s remarks, Daigneault downplayed their significance, stating, “I didn’t hear that. We just focus on what’s between the lines. Everybody says stuff after the games in terms of interviews—whether it’s a compliment or anything else” ([clutchpoints.com](https://clutchpoints.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/thunder-news-mark-daigneault-devin-booker-secret-out-claim/?utm_source=openai)). He reiterated that regardless of external narratives, the Thunder’s preparation remains internally driven, and that film study and practice habits define their defensive identity far more than sound bites.

## Injury Updates and Roster Availability
A key development on December 9 was the removal of reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the NBA’s official injury report, confirming his return after missing Sunday’s rout of the Jazz due to left elbow bursitis ([clutchpoints.com](https://clutchpoints.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/thunder-news-shai-gilgeous-alexander-ditches-injury-report-suns-clash?utm_source=openai)). Conversely, Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain) and Isaiah Joe (left knee contusion) remain sidelined, depriving Daigneault of two rotational contributors for the Suns matchup. Despite these absences, the presence of Gilgeous-Alexander, Caruso, and Dort on the floor restores Oklahoma City’s core while showcasing the franchise’s depth and adaptability ([si.com](https://www.si.com/nba/suns/onsi/news/phoenix-suns-okc-thunder-injury-report-latest-devin-booker-shai-gilgeous-alexander?utm_source=openai)).

## Bench Impact and Season Context
Through December 8, the Thunder boast a historic 23-1 record, ranking sixth in the NBA in bench scoring—a testament to contributions from role players like Aaron Wiggins and Ousmane Dieng ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-crush-jazz-tie-franchise-mark-with-15th-straight-win--flm-2025-12-08/?utm_source=openai)). In recent weeks, Ajay Mitchell has emerged as a dependable spark off the bench, averaging double figures and providing crucial perimeter defense. This balanced depth was on display during their decisive 131-101 victory over Utah, where 10 of 11 active players sank at least one three-pointer, and the bench outscored the Jazz reserves 63-46 ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-crush-jazz-tie-franchise-mark-with-15th-straight-win--flm-2025-12-08/?utm_source=openai)).

## Upcoming NBA Cup Quarterfinal Details
The Thunder will host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m. ET in a win-or-go-home quarterfinal at Paycom Center. According to the ESPN preview, Oklahoma City enters as a 15.5-point favorite with an over/under of 224.5 ([espn.in](https://www.espn.in/nba/preview/_/gameId/401809835?utm_source=openai)). This game offers the Thunder a chance to extend their franchise-record winning streak to 16 and match the 2015-16 Warriors’ historic 24-1 start. Phoenix, riding momentum from a 108-105 triumph over Minnesota, poses a contrasting challenge with emerging role players stepping up around Booker and Jordan Ott ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/12/03/betting/thunder-a-historic-nba-finals-favorite-threatening-win-record-after-21-1-start/?utm_source=openai)).

## Strategic Mindset and Cup Stakes
Daigneault stressed the importance of maintaining regular-season standards in the in-season tournament, noting, “Any time the scoreboard’s on we want to be on it and we want to hold ourselves to that standard… when the stakes do get higher, whether it’s a Cup game or whether it’s the playoffs, you’ve conditioned yourself to a certain way of operating” ([fieldlevelmedia.com](https://fieldlevelmedia.com/nba/suns-crave-challenge-of-ousting-dominant-thunder-from-nba-cup/?utm_source=openai)). This unwavering approach underpins Oklahoma City’s sustained success and their pursuit of both a shot at the NBA Cup title and an uninterrupted pathway toward another deep playoff run.

## Historical Perspective and Narrative
Oklahoma City’s dominant start and NBA Cup exploits underscore a franchise evolution from perennial underachievers to a modern powerhouse. With Gilgeous-Alexander’s impending return and a roster rich in two-way talent, the Thunder aim to leverage veteran leadership and budding young stars alike. As Tuesday’s practice concluded, the prevailing sentiment was clear: this team’s “secret” lies not in secrecy, but in disciplined preparation, collective buy-in, and relentless execution—attributes that have fueled their league-best 23-1 mark and that will be tested anew against the Suns.