"We have to be ready for a better version of them" - OKC's coach on how the Thunder was able to weather the Mavs' comeback attempts

Players and experts have openly expressed their skepticism about the Oklahoma City Thunder 's chances of winning it all this season. Despite finishing the regular season as the best team in the stacked Western Conference, critics point to the Thunder's lack of playoff experience as one possible reason for their downfall.

However, Oklahoma City has repulsed every threat it has encountered this postseason, including the Dallas Mavericks , whom it upended 117-95 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Although the Mavs landed some haymakers in the third quarter that pulled them to within one 66-65, the Thunder kept their poise and pulled away to author the lopsided win.

When asked how the Thunder always seem to stay calm under pressure, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault remarked that they've developed this skill throughout the season.

Developed a muscle for it

Muscle memory is crucial for shooting and ballhandling. As Daigneault explained, it also works when dealing with pressure. Up 11 early in the third, the Mavs closed the gap to a single point after back-to-back triples by PJ Washington and Kyrie Irving. That could easily have been a point where a less-experienced team would panic and let the game slip away. But not for the Thunder, which responded with a barrage of triples to end the quarter up by 10.

"I think it's a muscle we've built at this point, you know, we've had to endure a lot of those situations during the course of the season," Daigneault shared .

The recently-named Coach of the Year added that their respect for the Mavs also has a lot to do with how much attention they pay to the details of their game plan on both ends, knowing how one slip-up can result in a hail of points from both Kyrie and Luka Doncic.

"I think a lot of it comes from respect for the opponent like we know, this is a heavyweight matchup and that this is a really good team, and to think that you're gonna go through games or a series when they don't land their punches is just unrealistic," Daigneault remarked.

OKC is gearing up for Game 2

Whether you win by a point or a hundred, it's just one game. Every member of the Thunder franchise knows this, so they must prepare for a massive fightback from Dallas in Game 2.

"It's a long series, you know, we have to be ready for a better version of them," Daigneault added. "We would expect that. And I think knowing helps us in those moments to just understand that this is what they do. A really good team; they're here for a reason. They're really good players."

Looking ahead to Game 2, OKC superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who played a pivotal role in the series opener with 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, emphasized the team's unity. He expressed that their strong bond off the court translates into an assertive on-court performance.

"It goes hand in hand. It makes it easier for us to play for each other and with each other, just because, off the court, we like each and every one. Our teammates have our back and really care for our well-being. And then, in turn, when you get out there, you're playing for something bigger than just yourself," the Canadian hoops icon said .

Despite the impressive win, the series stands at only 1-0, meaning a lot of basketball is left to be played. Many questions remain unanswered, such as how Luka would respond to his miserable shooting performance. However, the Thunder has shown that despite their relative inexperience, they are more than up to the challenge.

Related: SGA on OKC becoming the youngest team to win a playoff series: "To figure it out and to stick with it the way we have is very impressive"