Thunder’s Mark Daigneault claims Chet Holmgren played ‘big-time game in some areas’

Much of the fodder surrounding the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs is All-Star Chet Holmgren’s four-point dud, which head coach Mark Daigneault tried to absolve during his postgame media availability following the 111-103 loss. For Daigneault, Holmgren’s contributions in Game 7 extended beyond stats.

During his postgame media availability, Daigneault discussed how Holmgren helped the Thunder in its season-ending loss to the Spurs, he said, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

“He was a huge [contributor] in ways that may not be in the box score or visible,” Daigneault said. “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.”

Holmgren also went 2-for-4 from the free-throw line and finished with four rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in Game 7 against the Spurs. However, in a showdown against Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama, many anticipated Holmgren to rise to the occasion. Especially since the Thunder’s offense was missing its starting forward Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell, who emerged as one of Oklahoma City’s most reliable facilitaors, and defenders.

Chet Holmgren reacts to losing Game 7 versus Victor Wembanyama, Spurs

Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren addressed the media after Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, where Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs ended the defending champions’ quest to repeat. After the loss, Holmgren stressed the Thunder’s team-oriented approach to facing the Spurs, which didn’t focus on specific one-on-one matchups, such as facing Wembanyama.

“At the end of the day, it’s about us trying to win a basketball game,” Holmgren said. “The Thunder team trying to win a basketball game. That’s what it’s always gonna be.”

Still, until Holmgren can bounce back in a big-time playoff series in the future, fans will remember what happened in Game 7, when the lights were at its brightest against Wembanyama and the Spurs.

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