All the hype surrounding the final four teams in the NBA has been met with eventful and intense games so far. As the Thunder vs Spurs Western Conference Finals showdown rages on, critics are pointing at Chet Holmgren‘s lack of presence against Victor Wembanyama. While the MVP runner-up had himself a massive night that proved to be one of the historic performances in the WCF, Holmgren, on the other hand, has been quite pedestrian to begin this series, eventually leading to OKC going down 0-1.
It has been a long time coming for the Holmgren vs Wembanyama saga to come up with a seven-game series. Ever since these two centers arrived and played in the league, many critics have been quick to put a rivalry between them. Having a nearly similar frame, a closely familiar game, and definitely having a history before coming into the NBA. We’ve seen some glimpses of great performances from both players, but they never really went at each other hard until this series.
Chet Holmgren Needs To Come Alive In Thunder vs Spurs
Now, it seems that Wembanyama is going all in — putting the work against his rival. Holmgren, for what it’s worth, remains very passive, not really doing what he usually does when it comes to defending against the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. As the runner-up for the same award, it goes without saying that Holmgren should at least try to prove why he also deserves to be in consideration for that award to begin with. After all, this is going to be a short series if he doesn’t at least try to elevate his game.
Holmgren’s Defense Is Quite Different Against Wembanyama
It cannot be denied that Holmgren has elevated his defensive play in the 2026 Playoffs. In over nine games in the postseason, the DPOY runner-up has tallied a total of 12 blocks so far. That isn’t really much of a big number compared to Wembanyama’s own block tally, but it cannot be denied that there will be tougher games ahead for these two players. In the first two rounds, Holmgren averaged 2.0 blocks per game and was even superb in the way he actually shut down a whole lot of attempts on the rim.
you telling me chet can’t at least be aggressive like this? https://t.co/Y1twSlwala
— no speeding🍪 (@MIK3MCDANIEL) May 19, 2026
This wasn’t the case when he played against the Spurs in Game 1. Wembanyama was owning him in each possession. The fact that the San Antonio center has become much bulkier and stronger has negated Holmgren’s length to begin with, and it has hurt OKC hard so far. He’s allowing Wembanyama to dominate the paint, which is why the Spurs outscored the Thunder in the paint at 52-38 and outrebounded them at 61-40. At this point, it is safe to say that Wembanyama has definitely risen to another level.
For what it is worth, however, Holmgren has to at least try to match Wembanyama in any way he can. Game 1 wasn’t really his usual self. He’s allowing himself to be bullied on the box out, when we’ve already seen him outsmart bigger and bulkier centers to begin with, but now he has to do the same with Wembanyama and anticipate his shots better. Holmgren has seen a taste of what the Spurs center is bringing on the attack, and now it is his turn to respond.
Holmgren’s Offense Gets Stalled With Indecisions
Speaking of responding and showing some signs of life, Holmgren’s offense has been quite dull in Game 1. After majestic performances against Phoenix and dominating against the Lakers, Cheddar finished with just eight points on 2-0f-7 shooting and eight rebounds. For a reserve center, that isn’t a bad stat line. In fact, fans would be happy to see that kind of impact from Jaylin Williams. Holmgren, however, is a first-time All-Star this season, and he didn’t look like it at all, nor has he made his presence felt by attacking the paint more than five times.
If Chet Holmgren doesn’t embrace the Wemby matchup we are going to lose this series.
— 𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙖𝙖 (@arkaavs) May 19, 2026
Sure, we know Wembanyama is in the paint, but if OKC is afraid to attack the paint whenever the Spurs’ center is on the floor, then this series will be over in four games. Field goals are just numbers, and efficiency ratings are expected to dip as the playoffs ensue. This just means that Holmgren will either try and make life for Wembanyama hard and go on and attack the rim and open the space for other Thunder players.
In the first two rounds, Holmgren averaged 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.4 steals in 30.9 minutes per game. If anything, the Thunder need Cheddar to be more aggressive on the attack. This would put pressure on Wembanyama to be a rim protector at all times. Holmgren’s numbers would take a hit in terms of his selective shooting and efficient baskets, but attacking Wembanyama in the paint would mean that he would not be as confident that OKC players are scared of him. He may get an absurd number of blocks, but it is better than settling for jump shots.
Can Holmgren Prove His Worth In The Western Conference Finals?
The Western Conference Finals have been a war to begin with. Just like how OKC found ways to adjust, adapt, and overcome the issues when they played against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets last year, this showdown with the Spurs should be no different. In fact, that series saw a lot of adjustments and development from Holmgren. He did have a game where he only had eight points, too. However, that was the series where he also showed that he wasn’t afraid to go up against one of the best players in the NBA.
CHET HOLMGREN pic.twitter.com/2J0t1REOf7
— PokeNation (@Big12Pokes) May 19, 2026
Now that he’s going up against the media-pitted rival of his in Wembanyama, it is time for the Thunder center to show why Oklahoma City is right to trust him in the long run. He’s already shown some flashes that he can stand up against the Spurs center at the very least. This is a big hurdle for Holmgren to leap over, and doing so will give him a chance to help OKC push their title aspirations once more.
Featured Image: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
