Chet Holmgren Talks 'Unique' Challenge vs. Wemby, Spurs & Reacts to Support from SGA, Thunder

Victor Wembanyama is a 7'4" big man with three-point range on offense and the ability to swat seemingly every shot on defense, which makes him a "unique" matchup nightmare for every frontcourt player in the league.

And nobody knows that better than Chet Holmgren after the Oklahoma City Thunder big man struggled throughout his team's seven-game loss to Wembanyama's San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.

"I definitely think they're different," he told reporters Sunday when discussing the Spurs. "I don't think there's another team that has their play style, their personnel, so they're unique in that way."

With Wembanyama looming on the defensive side, Holmgren attempted just two shots from the field on the way to four points during Saturday's 111-103 loss in Game 7. He averaged a mere 10.7 points per game in the series compared to the 20.0 points a night he averaged in the second-round win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I feel like there were definitely opportunities to get more attempts up that I didn't in the moment," he said. "That's an area to improve."

Improving his approach against Wembanyama and the Spurs will be critical for Holmgren if he is going to remain a key part of OKC's core since it isn't exactly difficult to envision these two teams facing each other in the playoffs a number of times in the years to come.

Wembanyama is just 22 years old, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 27 and the leader of a young Thunder roster. 

"I feel like it comes down to looking at the tape," Holmgren said of his individual matchup against Wembanyama. "Figuring out where I can improve individually, trust in my work through the offseason."

Holmgren's poor performance in Game 7 was particularly difficult for the Thunder since Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell were both sidelined by injuries. The home team needed the supporting cast around SGA to elevate their games, and the All-NBA selection turning in such a disappointing effort made the entire game an uphill battle for the reigning champions.

But he at least received support from head coach Mark Daigneault, who told reporters, "He was a huge [contributor] in ways that may not be in the box score or visible. We didn't get outscored by much when he was on the court. I can take some responsibility for [Holmgren's lack of shot attempts], but I still think he played a big-time game in some areas."

SGA also offered public support and told reporters, "We need Chet. Before Chet was here, we weren't who we are today. … When he's the best version of himself, we're the best version of ourselves."

Spurs-Thunder Highlights

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The comment was all the more notable since there was immediate speculation about whether Holmgren would be included in trade discussions for Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason.

For his part, Holmgren said, "It's always great to have support from people that are not only great people, but are as talented as they are at what they do" when discussing his MVP teammate and coach.

The big man's future and role with the Thunder will be a topic of discussion this offseason after a series to forget, but it seems like he is already focused on the future.