Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault kept it cool, calm, and concise on the podium — which felt just about right.

“I want to congratulate Indiana on a great season,” he began. “They were a stiff opponent.”

“This was a dream for everybody here at one point in our lives. There was one point where we didn’t know if we were going to be in the NBA, from players to staff, the coaches… It’s a privilege. We’re incredibly grateful for it.”

And the most special thing about this group? Daigneault’s answer is swift.

“They behave like champions,” he added. “They compete like champions. They root for each other’s success, which is rare in professional sports. I’ve said it many times, I’m gonna say it one more time: this is an uncommon team, and now they’re champions.”