The Oklahoma City Thunder held practice on Sunday, Oct. 18. Only two days remain until they're part of Opening Night as they travel to face the San Antonio Spurs. Both teams are entering the 2026-27 regular season as universal co-title favorites.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault and Jared McCain talked to the local media after practice. Daigneault discussed how much Hall-of-Fame coach Billy Donovan will embrace his new gig as a Spurs assistant. Meanwhile, McCain reflected on the Philadelphia 76ers' blockbuster summer.
Chet Holmgren was also spotted as a full participant in practice. Meaning he's likely good to go for Opening Night after he missed all five of OKC's preseason games with a quad contusion.
Here's everything that happened at OKC's Sunday, Oct. 18 NBA practice:
Final Thunder practice today before Opening Night. Featuring Chet Holmgren pic.twitter.com/x6dEsS6mB8
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2026
Jared McCain on the Sixers’ summer: “It looks like they're an elite team. I'm excited to go back there and play them… Excited to see some of the guys. I was just talking to VJ a week ago, so it was really cool to talk to them.” pic.twitter.com/VijwIFznVG
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2026
Jared McCain on Opening Night: “I feel great. My mental is great. Body feels great. I'm great all around. I'm really happy to be here. I'm happy to get the season started… I'm excited to get to that point in the season where I'm in new hotels. Hotels were my favorite part.” pic.twitter.com/A6PExL3Wqb
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2026
Jared McCain on OKC’s POA defense: “It’s been the culture here for the past few years. Trying to keep on with that, especially with me. I think I can be physical with guys and that plays to my advantage.” pic.twitter.com/y6vFWhccZm
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2026
Mark Daigneault on Cason Wallace: “He’s a great defensive player. Obviously, I think he came into the league as just a very instinctive competitive guy and that won the day for him.” pic.twitter.com/wPivzAe9Da
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2026
Mark Daigneault on Billy Donovan becoming a Spurs assistant: “I don't know how many people, if I'm being honest, are humble enough to go in the Hall of Fame in September and then take an assistant coaching job in May or June. But he's one of them.” pic.twitter.com/GFCPFfKWYc
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2026
Mark Daigneault on learning from the 2026 WCF: “We learn a lot from a series when you get beat and a team exposes some vulnerabilities and puts you in uncomfortable situations. You learn from it. It’s a great opportunity to learn and evolve and grow.” pic.twitter.com/3eFoz4mLIP
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 18, 2026
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Recap: What OKC Thunder said at Sunday, Oct. 18 NBA practice