Chet Holmgren recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds in a strong Game 5 performance as the Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs to take a 3-2 Western Conference Finals lead. The Oklahoma City big man was notably more aggressive than in previous games, helping OKC dominate the paint battle against San Antonio.
Holmgren’s increased physicality on the glass and willingness to attack closeouts changed the interior calculus for a Spurs team that had sometimes neutralized him with length and help defence. His rebounding provided second-chance opportunities that extended possessions and punished San Antonio’s transition defence.
Earlier series games had featured Holmgren operating primarily as a floor spacer and rim protector. Game 5 showcased a more assertive scoring profile that complemented Gilgeous-Alexander’s creation and Hartenstein’s defensive assignments against Wembanyama.
Thunder coaches had publicly encouraged Holmgren to seek early touches and crash offensive boards after film sessions highlighted missed opportunities. The response in Game 5 suggested those messages resonated at a critical juncture in the series.
San Antonio would need to account for a more active Holmgren in Game 6 if the Spurs hoped to force a decisive seventh contest. His two-way impact remained central to Oklahoma City’s identity as a young contender reaching the conference finals.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
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Sources:
https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/live/san-antonio-spurs-vs-oklahoma-city-thunder-live-updates-score-highlights-stats-analysis-from-wcf-game-5