Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander unveil new Chet Holmgren plan to beat Spurs
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Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander unveil new Chet Holmgren plan to beat Spurs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder found a huge problem in Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs. Coach Mark Daigneault was not able to find ample offense to fuel a comeback led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Entering Game 5, they have a new scheme and it's all about getting the ball to Chet Holmgren.
Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder plan to use Holmgren more to beat Spurs
Offense was a big problem for the Thunder in their Game 4 loss. They went 33% from the field on 91 shots. Horrendously, even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could not lift up their offense from the perimeter as they went 18.2% from three-point range.
In Game 5, they plan to have someone else take over. It is none other than Chet Holmgren. The two-time Thunder MVP outlined why their big man is the key to a 3-2 series lead over the Spurs, via Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic.
"I mean, Chet’s an easy target to find. So, probably just, like, finding him more in the dunker spot, and when he’s spacing. Just put him in better positions to use his strengths as an offensive talent. Um, I don’t know exactly what that looks like because I just got done playing. But watching film, we’ll find ways for sure," Gilgeous-Alexander declared.
Holmgren was not able to make a large impact in Game 4 to keep the Thunder afloat. The big man played 26 minutes but only scored 10 points while going 37.% from the field. He was also able to grab nine rebounds, drop two assists, and nab a block but all of those were not enough to counter Victor Wembanyama.
This change involving the two-man game between Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren will either be pivotal or the reason why they give up the series lead to the Spurs. Can the Thunder pull it off?