Mark Daigneault on Thunder playing in Tulsa: 'We understand we're [Oklahoma's] team'

After a one-year sabbatical, the Oklahoma City Thunder are back on their annual trips to Tulsa. They're going to face the New Orleans Pelicans in their 2026-27 preseason opener on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The first arena they're visiting? Tulsa's BOK Center. Sans last year, the Thunder have made it a priori

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After a one-year sabbatical, the Oklahoma City Thunder are back on their annual trips to Tulsa. They're going to face the New Orleans Pelicans in their 2026-27 preseason opener on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The first arena they're visiting? Tulsa's BOK Center.

Sans last year, the Thunder have made it a priority to play at Tulsa. The 90-minute drive north is worth the hassle as they throw a bone to the state's second-biggest city. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault knows the significance of showing love to the entire state.

"We understand we're the state of Oklahoma's team. We're the professional sports team in the state," Daigneault said. "So we're grateful for our fans, certainly in the city, but all around the state. Going up to that market allows us

to get in front of those fans and show them our appreciation."

The Thunder have one more day of 2026-27 NBA training camp on Monday, Oct. 5. They will then hold a morning shootaround at OKC before traveling to Tulsa in the afternoon of their preseason opener.

Should be fun to see the Thunder at Tulsa's BOK Center. Especially since it's OKC's preseason opener. It will be interesting to see how they handle that. As a reminder, it's the first end of a home back-to-back. The second night will be back at OKC's Paycom Center, though, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, against the Milwaukee Bucks.

As Daigneault mentioned, the Thunder are the only professional sports team in Oklahoma. And considering the state of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State football, they could gain a few more eyeballs than usual this time of year. Only a few weeks remain until they're part of Opening Night for the 2026-27 regular season.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Mark Daigneault on Thunder playing in Tulsa: 'We understand we're [Oklahoma's] team'