In the final first-half seconds of Game 4, Mark Daigneault threw the imaginary challenge flag onto the court. On the surface, he wanted the referees to review an out-of-bounds call. But in reality, he wanted to see if they could call a proximate foul that’d give Shai Gilgeous-Alexander three free-throw attempts.
After a lengthy review, the Oklahoma City Thunder got their wish. Desmond Bane was called for a 3-point shooting foul on Gilgeous-Alexander. The MVP candidate made two of the three attempts. Considering the Thunder swept the Memphis Grizzlies in a tight two-point win, that challenge altered the series.
Since the NBA added the proximate foul rule this season, Daigneault has weaponized the legal loophole. For those who need a reminder, a proximate foul is a retcon foul called after a coach’s challenge on an out-of-bounds call. In this case, not only did the Thunder maintain possession, but were also given three free-throw attempts.
Considering how cutting edge the Thunder are with the NBA rulebook, it shouldn’t be a shocker to see Daigneault take full advantage of the new addition. He’s used it a couple of times in the NBA playoffs already, gifting his squad a couple of extra points because of it.
“Trying to find every possible way to get as many plays right as they possibly can. That was a great add. To be able to go back and get a foul. It’s a dead-ball anyway on a challengeable play,” Daigneault said on the proximate foul addition. “That was a really savvy add by them. You’re seeing it show up.”
Daigneault said the addition came from last year’s playoffs. It’s already paid dividends for the Thunder through Round 1 this year. Expect them to continue to seek any unearthed fouls they could force the referees to call in Round 2 against either the Denver Nuggets or the LA Clippers.
“They were added as a reaction to last year’s playoffs, where it would’ve been helpful,” Daigneault said. “I think as a general framework, trying to get as many plays right so that the games are decided by the teams on the court is the best possible path.”
Mark Daigneault on the addition of proximate fouls this season. Said it was a savvy addition by the NBA and a reaction to last year’s playoffs: pic.twitter.com/WZqobSKY2D
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 29, 2025
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Mark Daigneault loves the proximate foul addition to challenges
In the final first-half seconds of Game 4, Mark Daigneault threw the imaginary challenge flag onto the court. On the surface, he wanted the referees to review an out-of-bounds call. But in reality, he wanted to see if they could call a proximate foul that’d give Shai Gilgeous-Alexander three free-throw attempts.
After a lengthy review, the Oklahoma City Thunder got their wish. Desmond Bane was called for a 3-point shooting foul on Gilgeous-Alexander. The MVP candidate made two of the three attempts. Considering the Thunder swept the Memphis Grizzlies in a tight two-point win, that challenge altered the series.
Since the NBA added the proximate foul rule this season, Daigneault has weaponized the legal loophole. For those who need a reminder, a proximate foul is a retcon foul called after a coach’s challenge on an out-of-bounds call. In this case, not only did the Thunder maintain possession, but were also given three free-throw attempts.
Considering how cutting edge the Thunder are with the NBA rulebook, it shouldn’t be a shocker to see Daigneault take full advantage of the new addition. He’s used it a couple of times in the NBA playoffs already, gifting his squad a couple of extra points because of it.
“Trying to find every possible way to get as many plays right as they possibly can. That was a great add. To be able to go back and get a foul. It’s a dead-ball anyway on a challengeable play,” Daigneault said on the proximate foul addition. “That was a really savvy add by them. You’re seeing it show up.”
Daigneault said the addition came from last year’s playoffs. It’s already paid dividends for the Thunder through Round 1 this year. Expect them to continue to seek any unearthed fouls they could force the referees to call in Round 2 against either the Denver Nuggets or the LA Clippers.
“They were added as a reaction to last year’s playoffs, where it would’ve been helpful,” Daigneault said. “I think as a general framework, trying to get as many plays right so that the games are decided by the teams on the court is the best possible path.”
Mark Daigneault on the addition of proximate fouls this season. Said it was a savvy addition by the NBA and a reaction to last year’s playoffs: pic.twitter.com/WZqobSKY2D
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 29, 2025
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Mark Daigneault loves the proximate foul addition to challenges
