Chet Holmgren acknowledges being 'out of rhythm,' missing 'opportunities' to get up shots against Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
A day after Oklahoma City’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, Thunder star Chet Holmgren acknowledged the obvious: He wasn’t active enough in the series or in …
A day after Oklahoma City’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, Thunder star Chet Holmgren acknowledged the obvi
Read Full Story at Yahoo Sports →Why This Matters
The Thunder’s Game 7 collapse underscores a critical inflection point for Chet Holmgren’s development—not just as a scorer, but as the kind of two-way anchor capable of carrying a franchise deep into the playoffs. His admission about being "out of rhythm" and missing "opportunities" to attack Wembanyama isn’t just a postmortem critique; it’s a rallying cry for a player whose potential remains tantalizingly incomplete. The league’s evolving frontcourt dynamics, where stretch bigs now dictate defensive coverages, demand Holmgren elevate his shot selection and aggressiveness to avoid being marginalized in high-leverage moments.
Background Context
Holmgren’s rookie season was defined by efficiency over volume, a calculated approach that masked his limitations in physical playoff series against elite rim protection. The Spurs’ defensive scheme—anchored by Wembanyama’s 7’4” wingspan and late closeouts—exposed the Thunder’s reliance on mid-range jumpers from their 7-footer, a strategy that eroded over seven games. Historically, Oklahoma City’s inability to maximize Holmgren’s offensive versatility has drawn comparisons to past franchise failures in developing high lottery bigs, from Kevin Durant’s early playoff struggles to Russell Westbrook’s iso-heavy late-game crunches.
What Happens Next
The Thunder must prioritize Holmgren’s shot diet in the offseason, integrating more roll-and-pop actions and post-ups to leverage his 7’5” reach. Expect a coaching staff overhaul or schematic tweaks to reduce his reliance on fadeaways, which become less effective against lengthier defenders like Wembanyama. The franchise’s long-term trajectory hinges on whether this series becomes a learning moment or a cautionary tale about squandering a generational two-way talent.
Bigger Picture
This series crystallizes the NBA’s shifting frontcourt paradigm, where traditional centers are increasingly pressured to space the floor while guarding 7’0”+ wings. Holmgren’s struggles reflect a league-wide tension between development and instant playoff impact, a dilemma faced by teams like the Magic (Paolo Banchero) and Rockets (Alperen Sengun). The Thunder’s failure to scheme around his limitations may force a reckoning: either Holmgren adapts to the modern game
