Mark Daigneault explains Jonas Valanciunas' declining playing time

NEW ORLEANS – As the Oklahoma City Thunder's first-round game against the New Orleans Pelicans progresses, Jonas Valanciunas' playing time will decrease.

That was painfully evident in the Thunder's stunning Game 3 win over the Pelicans. The 31-year-old played just 12 minutes in the series and was substituted in favor of Larry Nance Jr. in the second half.

In his 64 total minutes of play in this series, the Pelicans were outscored by 26 points. Valanciunas' matchup against the small and fast Thunder was one of the key points heading into this series and, as expected, worked in OKC's favor.

Chet Holmgren nullifies Valanciunas' paint presence by extending to the rim. Playing a fast game is also a disadvantage for New Orleans because it can tire the 265-pound center.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault spoke about Valanciunas' gradual decline in playing time, pointing out that it was part of the chess game between him and Pelicans head coach Willie Green.

“It's just about forcing the opponent to pivot. They forced us to change at different times in this series,” Daigneault said. “There's a push-pull effect…Whatever they do, we have to be able to attack it and adapt to it.”

It will be interesting to see if the Pelicans decide to stick with Valanciunas in Game 4. If they decide to play small to match OKC's speed, the Thunder should outscore them enough to complete the sweep.