If the Thunder bounce back in Game 2, Chet Holmgren will need to be better. He was invisible in Game 1 with just six points and six rebounds. That performance resulted in him barely seeing the floor in the fourth quarter as the game evolved into crunch time.

Any doubts about the Thunder entering the playoffs seemed to have been wiped away before the NBA Finals tipped off. Nobody had really questioned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Thunder defense had more than lived up to its fearsome reputation.

They have carved out huge roles on our team — they are a huge reason why we're here,” Daigneault said. “They are in an uncommon position."