Daigneault Defends Holmgren After 4-Point Game 7, Takes Blame for Thunder's 111-103 Loss
Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · May 31
Daigneault Defends Holmgren After 4-Point Game 7, Takes Blame for Thunder's 111-103 Loss
6 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · May 31
Mark Daigneault said he shared responsibility for Chet Holmgren getting only two shots in Oklahoma City's 111-103 Game 7 loss to San Antonio, pushing back after fans targeted the Thunder big man.
Holmgren finished with four points and four rebounds on 1-of-2 shooting and did not attempt a field goal after the first quarter, leaving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to carry the offense against heavy double teams.
Gilgeous-Alexander still produced 35 points and nine assists, but Oklahoma City lacked support with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell injured and Holmgren struggling to attack Victor Wembanyama.
The slump extended through the Western Conference Finals, where Holmgren averaged 10.7 points and 7.1 rebounds after posting 20.0 points and 9.8 rebounds against the Lakers in the second round.
Holmgren said he must improve, a pressing issue for the defending champions as Wembanyama's Spurs reach the NBA Finals and a new playoff rivalry takes shape.
After being dominated by Wembanyama, what must Chet Holmgren change to win their next playoff showdown?
Did San Antonio expose a fatal flaw in OKC's roster, or was this Game 7 loss simply due to key injuries?
With a record tax bill looming, must the Thunder dismantle their young core to survive the NBA's new financial era?