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.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

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Why Ice Hockey is the World’s Toughest Sport: Not for the Weak ☠️

When Indians think of “Hockey,” our minds immediately go to the legendary Dhyan Chand and the wizardry of Field Hockey. However, there is another version of this game played on frozen water that takes physical endurance to a whole new level. Ice Hockey is widely considered the toughest sport in the world, and it isn’t just about goals—it’s about survival.

While cricket is a game of skill and patience, Ice Hockey is a high-speed collision course. If you’ve ever wondered why this sport is labeled “Not for the Weak,” here is a deep dive into the intensity of the game.

1. The Skating Paradox: Running on Blades

Imagine sprinting at 40-50 km/h while balancing on steel blades just 3mm thick. In Ice Hockey, players don’t just run; they glide at lethal speeds. Maintaining balance while being shoved by a 100kg defender requires core strength that most professional athletes can only dream of. The level of cardiovascular fitness required to “skate out” a 45-second shift is equivalent to sprinting a 400-meter race at full tilt.

2. Physicality and the “Glass” Factor

In most sports, hitting an opponent is a foul. In Ice Hockey, “body checking” is a strategic necessity. Players are routinely slammed into the perimeter boards (the glass). These collisions are high-impact and can happen at any moment. Unlike football (soccer), where a slight trip results in a dramatic fall, Ice Hockey players are expected to take a hit, get back up, and keep chasing the puck immediately.

3. The Fastest Object in Sports: The Puck

A cricket ball is hard, but an Ice Hockey puck is a disc of vulcanised rubber that is literally frozen before the game to prevent it from bouncing. These pucks can travel at speeds exceeding 160 km/h. Goalies have less than half a second to react to a shot. For a player, blocking a shot with their body is considered a badge of honour, often resulting in broken bones or severe bruising.

4. Mental Fortitude and Multitasking

Ice Hockey requires a unique type of “hockey sense.” You must control a tiny puck with a long stick (without looking down), keep track of five teammates and five opponents, and avoid being hit—all while skating on ice. The mental exhaustion of making split-second tactical decisions at high speeds makes it one of the most mentally taxing sports on the planet.

The Indian Connection: Hockey in the Himalayas

Many Indians are surprised to learn that we have a National Ice Hockey team! In the regions of Ladakh, Shimla, and Kashmir, Ice Hockey is a way of life during the winter. Played on natural frozen ponds, Indian athletes face extreme altitudes and sub-zero temperatures, proving that the “toughness” of this sport resonates even in the Himalayas.

Conclusion

Ice Hockey is not just a sport; it is a test of human limits. It combines the grace of figure skating, the toughness of rugby, and the hand-eye coordination of cricket into one explosive package. It is a game defined by grit, scars, and relentless speed. While it may not yet have the massive following of IPL in India, its sheer intensity makes it the undisputed king of tough sports. Truly, it is not for the weak.

Ice hockey is only for real men☠️ | BOYS vs MEN😍

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