Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Tells the Truth on the 'Worst Version' of Chet Holmgren
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is standing behind Chet Holmgren following the Oklahoma City Thunder's playoff exit. The defending champions fell to the San Antonio Spurs 111-103 in Game 7 of the 2026 NBA Western Conference finals. The loss ended their bid for back-to-back titles.
While the Thunder were outplayed as a unit, Holmgren absorbed the brunt of the criticism. He had a lackluster Game 7 and a disappointing series overall.
The 7-foot-1 center logged just four points on 1-of-2 shooting. He collected four rebounds, two blocks and two steals in 33 minutes in the winner-take-all game.
In the Thunder's end-of-season exit interviews on Sunday, Gilgeous-Alexander went to bat for his teammate.
"I know how much Chet loves this game and wants to be the best version of himself every night he's on the floor," the two-time NBA MVP told reporters.
"Sometimes it just doesn't go that way. You're not the best version of yourself for whatever reason, and all you can do is use that experience to get better. That's what I've done throughout my career, and it's what Chet has done throughout his career. I have no doubt he'll continue to do that."
SGA when asked if he would talk to Chet about how to approach the offseason:
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) May 31, 2026
"I won't. I also don't feel like I need to…The version of Chet we have today is the worst version of Chet Holmgren we'll ever have."
(h/t @anthonyVslater) pic.twitter.com/CAmOiysuVC
Holmgren struggled mightily in his head-to-head matchup with rival Victor Wembanyama throughout the series. The Thunder star shot 51.0% from the field and 27.3% from three. The 24-year-old averaged 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks across seven games.
Those numbers fell well short of his overall playoff averages. He recorded 14.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.
Despite the falloff, Gilgeous-Alexander made clear he has Holmgren's back regardless.
"I've always said that the version of Chet we have today is the worst version of Chet we'll ever see. I've said that every time I've talked about him," Gilegous-Alexander said.
The four-time All-Star also expressed full confidence Holmgren will silence his doubters next season.
"He's going to get better at basketball. He's going to become a better player because of the makeup he has and the talent he possesses," Gilgeous-Alexander offered. "I don't need to put an umbrella over Chet. He'll figure it out."
Related: Chet Holmgren Details Offensive Struggles After Thunder Eliminated by Spurs
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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 8:02 AM.