Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did all he could on Saturday night, but three of OKC's core players didn't play in Game 7. Jalen Williams was out with a hamstring. Ajay Mitchell had a strained calf. And Chet Holmgren caught a case of the Ben Simmons bug.
Holmgren was technically on the floor for 33 minutes. He scored four points on two shot attempts as the Thunder failed in their mission to become the first repeat NBA champion since the 2018 Warriors.
The Spurs are marching on to the Finals to face the Knicks after a 111-103 victory in one of the most poised performances you will ever see from a team in a Game 7. It came on the road, against the defending champions, with three players age 22 or younger leading the charge.
A Disappearing Act
This is what it looks like to step up in a big-time moment. Not a single player on the Spurs backed away from the heat. Holmgren, on the other hand, looked terrified. He wanted nothing to do with Wembanyama. Nothing to do with any pass that came his way. Nothing to do with the moment.
I cannot stress the two shot attempts enough. This was not a case of Holmgren trying to make plays and just running into Wembanyama. He couldn't get rid of the ball quickly enough.
This is what it looks like to catch a pass, take a look at the guy in front of you, and simply say "no thanks" and hot-potato it back. Then being forced to try something when it comes back and not even being able to stay on your feet.
Meanwhile, Wemby was busy doing to Holmgren whatever he wanted. Let's also be clear: Wemby wasn't even Holmgren's primary defender in this series. The Spurs put wings on him like Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie as Wemby roamed as a paint protector. Yet he still couldn't find a way to exploit the size mismatches.
To even say Holmgren was passive on Saturday would be giving him too much credit. He was basically invisible. Of the four shots he took, zero came in the second half. That's inexcusable for a guy who will start a five-year, $239 million contract next season. A guy who was voted Third Team All-NBA this season.
Holmgren needed to do more. With Williams and Mitchell out, SGA needed Holmgren more than ever. The Thunder made it to Game 7 despite those injuries and Holmgren laying multiple eggs—a credit to their depth and defense.