The Oklahoma City Thunder hope to repeat as NBA champions, possibly starting a dynasty. One of the NBA’s youngest teams is one of the league’s best.
Now, they face a Spurs team that wants to unsettle them in the Western Conference. A media member took to the airwaves to discuss a core member of the Thunder.
Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Thunder F Chet Holmgren Over WCF Game 1 Woes
At seven-foot-one, Holmgren possesses a fluid outside game, connecting on 36.2% from the three-point arc. However, after an eight-point performance in a loss to the Spurs, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith lambasted the 24-year-old for his performance.
“You’re 7’1”, and you’re leaving that responsibility to somebody else. Shame on you. Shame on you. Chet Holmgren has to step up.”
—@stephenasmith goes off on Chet Holmgren 😳 pic.twitter.com/LlTjFuEiVG
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 20, 2026
” Chet Holmgren, I can’t say this enough. Are you going to show up? Wemby bust your *ss,” barked Smith.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama tied his season high with 41 points, adding 24 rebounds and three blocks in a 122-115 victory. Holmgren did not appear to have answers. The Thunder star countered with eight points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
“When you look at guys that are undersized, that have no prayer of guarding Wemby because he’s seven-foot-five, and you’re seven-foot-one and you’re leaving that to somebody else, shame on you,” snapped the commentator.
Smith referred to swingmen Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams, who guarded Wembanyama on the perimeter and carried the defense into the painted area.
“You’re in the pros; you’re the reigning, defending NBA champions. He (Wembanyama) is in Oklahoma City for the expressed purpose of taking what you have. proclaimed Smith
Holgren and Wembanyama do have some history. In 2021, during a U19 tournament in France, Holmgren led Team USA to a two-point victory over France, earning the MVP award.
While Wembanyama downplayed any rivalry, fans appeared to have created a narrative that the two stars do not like each other. Moreover, they believe the enmity starts from the Spurs’ side.
For the Thunder to win the series and advance to the NBA Finals, Holmgren will need to produce. During his three-year career, he’s proven capable. An All-Star, Holmgren can also excel on the defensive end, blocking 2.1 shots per game.
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The Thunder believed in Holmgren enough to sign him to a five-year, $239.2 million deal last July. He will need to stop Wembanyama. Over his last five games, he has averaged 26 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks while shooting 55.8% from the field.
Holmgren gets another chance to challenge Wembanyama, as the Spurs face the Thunder tonight in Oklahoma City.