Chet Holmgren's Game 7 Disappearance Haunts Thunder in Playoff Exit
In a crucial Game 7 on Saturday night, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fought valiantly for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the absence of key players took its toll. With Jalen Williams sidelined due to a hamstring injury and Ajay Mitchell nursing a strained calf, all eyes turned to Chet Holmgren. Unfortunately, he mirrored a Ben Simmons-like performance, scoring only four points on two shot attempts in 33 minutes of play. The San Antonio Spurs advanced to the Finals with a 111-103 victory, showcasing poise and skill despite being on the road against the defending champions. Young stars Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper led the charge, combining for 48 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists. Their clutch performances contrasted sharply with Holmgren's timid showing, where he did not attempt a single shot in the second half. Holmgren's lack of aggression raised eyebrows, especially for a player expected to be a cornerstone of the Thunder's future. His inability to capitalize on size mismatches against the Spurs, particularly against Wembanyama, was glaring. With a max-contract looming and a Third Team All-NBA selection under his belt, his playoff averages dropped significantly, leading to questions about his readiness for high-pressure situations. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander's efforts and contributions from others like Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace, Holmgren's performance proved pivotal. The Thunder's depth and resilience were commendable, but without Holmgren stepping up, their hopes of repeating as champions vanished. Looking ahead, Holmgren's struggles against Wembanyama will be a concern for the Thunder as they aim for future success. If he cannot rise to the occasion in critical moments, Oklahoma City faces a steep climb back to contention.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-31