Holmgren Targets 10-15 Pound Gain After 10.7-Point Series Against Wembanyama
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 1
Holmgren Targets 10-15 Pound Gain After 10.7-Point Series Against Wembanyama
5 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 1
10.7 points per game in the conference finals turned Chet Holmgren into Oklahoma City’s main offseason question after a Game 7 line of four points, four rebounds and two shot attempts in 33 minutes.
Victor Wembanyama dominated the matchup—dunking on Holmgren, blocking him and exposing his reluctance to attack one-on-one—after Holmgren had averaged 20 points on 61% shooting against Los Angeles in the prior round.
Oklahoma City still backed Holmgren publicly, with Mark Daigneault and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stressing his role in a 64-win season and saying film study, confidence and experience should drive his response.
The Thunder also see practical fixes: adding 10 to 15 pounds to Holmgren’s 7-foot-1 frame, speeding up his release and using him more creatively on offense.
That development carries extra weight because San Antonio’s win halted Oklahoma City’s repeat bid, and Wembanyama—still only 22—looks set to be a recurring obstacle in future West title races.
After being dominated by Wembanyama, can Holmgren develop the swagger needed to win the mental battle in their rivalry?
Was Holmgren's playoff failure a personal collapse, or a direct result of the Thunder's flawed team strategy?