With both Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell unavailable for the biggest game of Oklahoma City’s season, the spotlight shifted directly onto Chet Holmgren.
Instead, the 24-year-old delivered one of the roughest performances of his career as the Spurs eliminated OKC from the playoffs.
Holmgren finished with just four points, four rebounds on 1-2 shooting in 32 minutes as Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio closed out the Thunder’s season.
What made the performance even more surprising was how quickly Holmgren disappeared offensively.
He took two shots in the opening possessions of the game, then didn’t attempt another field goal for the remainder of the night.
A matchup many expected to become the NBA’s next great big-man rivalry instead became completely one-sided.
Chet had moments defensively, recording two blocks and two steals, but Oklahoma City desperately needed offense with so many key scorers unavailable.
The Thunder struggled anytime Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gave up the ball, and Holmgren never looked comfortable attacking Wembanyama inside.
“There were definitely opportunities to get more attempts up that I didn’t,” Holmgren admitted during Oklahoma City’s end-of-season media availability. “And that’s an area I need to improve.”
The criticism surrounding Holmgren after the loss quickly exploded online, especially considering his five-year, $239 million max extension begins next season.
The disappointing playoff performance sparked immediate speculation regarding Holmgren’s future with the team.
But, SGA came to his teammate’s defense during his exit interview on Sunday.
“We need Chet Holmgren,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“Before Chet was here, we weren’t who we are today. We wouldn’t have the success we have today” Gilgeous-Alexander continued. “When he’s the best version of himself, we’re the best version of ourselves.”
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