Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Pushes for Bigger Chet Holmgren Role in Game 5

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals hoping to seize full control of the series, but instead left San Antonio searching for answers after a lopsided 103-82 defeat against the Spurs. The loss evened the series at two games apiece and exposed several offensive issues the Thunder must quickly address.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again carried much of the offensive burden, Oklahoma City struggled to find consistent secondary scoring throughout the night. Injuries and ineffective bench production placed even greater pressure on the team’s core players, particularly rising star Chet Holmgren.

Holmgren finished Game 4 with only 10 points, continuing a difficult stretch in the series against San Antonio’s aggressive interior defense. Through four games, the Thunder big man has averaged just 11.3 points, far below the offensive impact Oklahoma City expected entering the matchup.

After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander openly acknowledged the need to help Holmgren succeed offensively. His comments reflected a team aware that advancing to the NBA Finals will likely require more balanced scoring production and stronger performances from its young stars.

1. Gilgeous-Alexander Seeks Offensive Adjustments

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players, capable of creating scoring opportunities from nearly every area of the floor. However, even elite individual performances can become difficult to sustain without reliable support around them. Following Game 4, Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about the importance of placing Holmgren in more favorable offensive situations. Rather than criticizing his teammate’s struggles, the Thunder guard focused on finding ways to maximize Holmgren’s strengths within the flow of the offense. Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned opportunities to involve Holmgren more frequently near the basket or in spacing situations where his shooting ability and length can create matchup problems. The Thunder star also emphasized the importance of studying game film to identify better offensive solutions before Game 5. His comments reflected both leadership and urgency. Oklahoma City understands that San Antonio’s defense has successfully limited Holmgren’s comfort level throughout the series, and strategic adjustments may be necessary to prevent the Spurs from continuing to dictate those matchups.

2. Spurs Defense Limits Holmgren’s Impact

Much of Holmgren’s offensive frustration can be traced directly to San Antonio’s defensive approach, particularly the presence of Victor Wembanyama near the rim. The Spurs’ interior defense has consistently disrupted Holmgren’s ability to attack comfortably or establish rhythm offensively. During Oklahoma City’s earlier playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Holmgren’s mobility and floor spacing created major problems for opposing defenders. Against San Antonio, however, those same advantages have been harder to exploit due to Wembanyama’s length, athleticism, and defensive instincts. Holmgren’s off-the-dribble game remains a developing part of his offensive arsenal, and the Spurs have taken advantage by forcing him into uncomfortable situations. San Antonio has contested perimeter shots effectively while also limiting clean driving lanes toward the basket. The defensive battle between Holmgren and Wembanyama has become one of the defining elements of the series. Both players represent the next generation of versatile NBA big men, but through four games, Wembanyama has gained the upper hand defensively and significantly impacted Holmgren’s offensive confidence.

3. Thunder Need More From Supporting Cast

The Thunder’s struggles in Game 4 extended beyond Holmgren alone. Oklahoma City’s supporting cast failed to provide the same level of production that helped the team succeed earlier in the series, especially with injuries affecting the rotation. In Games 2 and 3, the Thunder bench helped offset the absence of Jalen Williams and inconsistent play from other contributors. But with Ajay Mitchell also sidelined in Game 4, Oklahoma City lacked the offensive depth necessary to ease pressure on Gilgeous-Alexander. As the series returns to Oklahoma City for Game 5, the Thunder face a critical moment. Gilgeous-Alexander continues to perform at a high level, but championship-caliber teams typically require multiple reliable scoring threats to survive deep playoff battles. Holmgren now enters one of the most important games of his young career with expectations rising around him. Oklahoma City still believes strongly in his long-term potential, but the Thunder also understand the urgency of the moment. If they hope to regain control of the series, stronger offensive contributions from Holmgren and the supporting cast may become essential.