ESPN talking head Stephen A. Smith took on Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren on Tuesday morning for his seriously poor performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs and rival Victor Wambayama.
On Monday night, NBA fans were treated to a spectacular clash between the Western powerhouse Spurs and Thunder. And much to the dismay of the Oklahoma City fans, San Antonio was able to pick up a crucial win in Game 1. For the most part, all of the game's top stars shined. However, there was one major exclusion: Holmgren.
The first-time All-Star, who received a massive five-year, $239 million contract before the season, had only eight points and seven shots in 41 minutes. Yet, in addition to his almost non-existent play on offense, there was also the fact that Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault decided to put Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams on the 7-foot-5 Wambayama instead of Holmgren in the fourth quarter and overtime.
It was a nightmare night for Holmgren compared to his perceived rival Vembanyama. His performance was something ESPN's Smith took time to talk about on Tuesday morning's episode of take first. Questioning the inner toughness of the four-year veteran.
Stephen A.: 'Where the hell is Chet Holmgren?'
"Chet Holmgren, what's going on?" Smith began by saying. “All this noise we've heard all these years, you'll hear all this [Holmgren and Wembanyama] Don't get along or don't really like each other. I understand he is 7 feet 5 inches, but hey brother, you are not 6 feet 5 inches. You are 7 feet 1 inch tall. You have the skills, you can play. I'm looking at it, and Wembley is doing what he's doing, but comparing it to Chet Holmgren who is doing nothing offensively, it's like damn.
“Then, when you see Wembanyama close things down in overtime, you can't have Alex Caruso or Jalen Williams guarding him [in the paint]. Chet Holmgren is supposed to be going, 'Coach, I've got this job,'' he added. "It can't be cats a foot shorter than him trying to guard him in the paint... Where the hell is Chet Holmgren?"
Vembanyama posted 41 points, 24 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks and made some big shots in their 122-115 double overtime win. Smith described Holmgren's Game 1 plan as "dangerous" and said the big man "must accept the challenge" of guarding an MVP candidate or they will not return to the NBA Finals next month.
