May 18, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks the ball in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game one of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
May 18, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks the ball in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game one of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
While the Victor Wembanyama vs Chet Holmgren rivalry had already sparked discussions, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith’s claims after game 2 fueled the flame even higher.
The 2nd game of the Conference Finals concluded with the Oklahoma City Thunder claiming a 122-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. However, Smith believed Holmgren had been quite vulnerable against Wemby.
“We all know that his kryptonite is Wemby, and I'm not even talking about on the basketball floor,” Smith said on First Take. “The minute you see this brother get off the bus, it seems like fright night for Chet Holmgren. He just ain't the same as he is with everybody else.”
Holmgren’s struggles against the Spurs forward had been exposed since OKC’s 122-115 Game 1 loss. He posted just 8 points and 8 rebounds, without a single 2-point field goal. In Game 2, his numbers were 13 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
Comparatively, Wemby racked up 41 points and 24 rebounds in game 1 and 21 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 assists in game 2. Holmgren lacked in scoring, on the glass and had no major defensive impact on Wemby.
Although Smith had his own exaggerated vocabulary, the stats backed up his claim. And going forward, he stated what Holmgren should actually be doing.
Stephen A. Smith Said Chet Holmgren Needs to “Step Up”
The defending champions’ 7’1 sharpshooter is the best match against the Spurs' 7’4 Forward, given the height and skill set. However, Holmgren just isn’t looking like his usual self against Wemby. And Smith had a clear statement.
“Where’s your (Holmgren’s) pride?” Smith said following Game 1. “I don’t (care) what the coach suggests. You do it, you like ‘I got them’… You’re 7’1”, and you’re leaving that responsibility to somebody else... Chet Holmgren has to step up.”
The Thunder looked like the solid defending champs throughout the season. But if they actually are to win this time, Holmgren surely needs to level up his game.
But do you think he’ll be able to improve by game 3 on May 22? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy