According to Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, these are the growing pains the second-youngest first seed has to go through to have playoff success. The title favorite now faces a 2-1 series deficit and must split with Denver to avoid a dreaded 3-1 hole.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reacts to losing Game 3 in overtime against the Nuggets, and goals for Game 4.

I know that's been a story to this point, and teams use the media to try to gain an edge in the playoffs,” he said. “But the way we're looking at it is these are the best officials in the league. If they're influenced by that,