Victor Wembanyama’s poster dunk on Chet Holmgren early in Game 7 did more than score two points — it appeared to break the Oklahoma City big man entirely.
Less than three minutes into the game, Wembanyama caught a pass off a give-and-go and dunked directly over Holmgren’s outstretched arm with authority.
The San Antonio Spurs went on to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, eliminating the defending champions.
After that early dunk, Holmgren did not attempt another shot from the field for the remainder of the contest, a stunning disappearance from a player of his calibre.
Holmgren finished the game with just four points and four rebounds, shooting 1-for-2 from the field and 2-for-4 from the foul line while committing two turnovers.
This was a player who made his first All-Star team this season, finished second to Wembanyama in the Defensive Player of the Year vote, and earned All-NBA third team honours.
Holmgren did make some impact in the final three minutes, blocking one shot and recording a steal, but it was far too little for the Thunder’s ostensible second-best player.
The rivalry between the two big men traces back to FIBA’s Under-19 championship game in 2021, when Team USA defeated Team France 83-81 in a closely fought contest.
Wembanyama recorded 22 points, eight assists and eight blocks in that title game, while Holmgren posted 10 points, two rebounds and five assists before being named tournament MVP.
Wembanyama clearly carries the memory of that defeat, and throughout this series Holmgren appeared to wilt under the pressure the Spurs star consistently applied to him.
Holmgren averaged 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in the Western Conference Finals, compared to his regular season averages of 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.
Isaiah Hartenstein took the primary defensive assignment on Wembanyama throughout the series, with Holmgren appearing reluctant to engage the Spurs star directly.
After the dunk, Holmgren finished with zero assists as well, raising serious questions about his ability to perform under the weight of a decisive playoff game.
The fact that Holmgren did not register a third field goal attempt in an entire Game 7 is almost unbelievable, and it has not gone unnoticed by fans and media alike.
Holmgren is considered too talented not to respond strongly next season, but his reputation absorbed a serious blow in what was the Thunder’s biggest game of the year.
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