Chet Holmgren Reacts to Supportive Message From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Chet Holmgren disappeared during Saturday night’s Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.

The All-Star big man finished the game with four points and four rebounds, attempting just two shots through his 33 minutes of action in the win-or-go-home contest.

The Thunder needed more from Holmgren as they went on to lose with a 111-103 final score at home, failing to achieve their back-to-back championship aspirations.

Reigning back-to-back NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did his part in Game 7, recording a game-high 35 points to go along with his nine assists. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the lack of production put forth by Holmgren.

Gilgeous-Alexander could’ve thrown his All-NBA teammate under the bus. Instead, he backed Holmgren with a supportive message on Sunday.

“We need Chet Holmgren,” he said during his exit interview.

“Before Chet was here, we weren’t who we are today. We wouldn’t have the success we have today,” Gilgeous-Alexander continued. “When he’s the best version of himself, we’re the best version of ourselves.”

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Thunder coach Mark Daigneault delivered a similar message, acknowledging Holmgren’s importance when it comes to OKC’s success.

Holmgren reacted to these supportive statements during his exit interview on Sunday.

"It's always great to have support from people that are not only great people, but are as talented as they are at what they do,” Holmgren said. “It’s always inspiring to see their lead and try to follow that.

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With their Western Conference Finals win over the Thunder, the Spurs now advance to an NBA Finals matchup against the New York Knicks.

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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 5:05 PM.