Recap: What happened at OKC Thunder's Sunday, May 17 practice

May 17, 2026 - 23:37

The Oklahoma City Thunder held a closed practice on Sunday, May 17, as the team continued its preparation for the upcoming playoff push. With the regular season winding down, the focus inside the facility was on tightening rotations and sharpening defensive schemes.

Head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the importance of physicality and execution during the session. Players went through full-contact drills, with an emphasis on transition defense and half-court sets. The coaching staff also worked on specific situational plays, including end-of-game scenarios and inbound plays under pressure.

Injury updates were a key topic. Several players who had been listed as questionable earlier in the week participated in non-contact portions of the practice. The medical staff monitored workloads closely, aiming to have the roster as healthy as possible for the postseason.

Veteran leadership was on display, with experienced players guiding younger teammates through complex defensive rotations. The energy was described as focused but intense, with no shortage of vocal encouragement from the bench.

The Thunder's next game is scheduled for Tuesday, and Sunday's practice provided a clear indication of the team's priorities: defensive discipline, ball movement, and limiting turnovers. As the playoffs approach, every practice carries added weight, and Sunday's session was no exception.