For the ninth time in this Western Conference Finals series against the San Antonio Spurs, OKC Thunder star Chet Holmgren was simply embarrassed.
Sure, he had a 10-point, 11-rebound, two-block double-double in Game 6, but when Mitch Johnson is purposefully, willingly letting 6-foot-5 Devin Vassell be Holmgren's primary defender, there's an issue.
And it's not about box score production.
In the second quarter of the Thunder's 27-point loss Thursday night, Holmgren cut to the basket with an open dunk opportunity. No Victor Wembanyama. No Luke Kornet. Just him and the rim... and Vassell.
As Holmgren turned to dunk, his casualness – as if anything in this series has been casual – let Vassell rotate over, meet him at the apex, and send the San Antonio crowd into a frenzy.
To make matters worse, Vassell then proceeded to bark at him, even throwing the word "boy" to describe the 7-foot-1 center.
I'm a Thunder fan to my core, but seeing that type of energy from the Spurs' guard got me fired up. Because that's the type of force and energy and vibe that Holmgren and the Thunder have been missing this series, especially in Game 6.
So, as we enter the stratosphere of the two best words in sports
(i.e., Game 7), here are the three players that need to bring some force in order for OKC to make it back to the NBA Finals.
Thunder players who must step up in do-or-die Game 7
Chet Holmgren
There are physical limitations to Holmgren's game that make this matchup with San Antonio bad. He boasts an overall slender frame, has narrow shoulders, and a wobbly base -- this physical makeup is what allows the Spurs to get away with putting wings on him.
He can't overpower them, and with his underdeveloped off-the-bounce game, he can't get by them. What's the result? A lot of contested jumpers.
But Holmgren doesn't need to score to impact the game. He can take the Wembanyama assignment. He can work hard for a low-post position, even if he doesn't get it. He can contest every shot at the rim. He can drive hard to the basket and get to the free-throw line. He can play with more force and aggression, which doesn't have to translate to box-score production.
Holmgren has been lauded for his competitive edge dating back to his high school days. Yet, in one of the most important series of his career, he just let a small talk down to him – as if he's not seven inches taller.
Will he bark back in Game 7?
Lu Dort
Lu Dort has been forgettable during this series, but for the wrong reasons.
Yes, his 5.6 points and 30.6 shooting percentage from deep are production levels that make him an easy target come cost-cutting time, but his presence just hasn't been felt this series.
This is a rather recent All-Defensive First-Team player. He's had such memorable moments sliding those puppies that you could silhouette one of those plays and easily tell which player it was.
Against San Antonio? It's hard to think of one.
He's done his job at an individual level, stifling a hampered De'Aaron Fox and limiting Stephon Castle, but where are the screen blowups? Where are the wall-ups? I'm sure they've been there at some point in this series, but without going through the film, I can't be definitive.
And that's the issue -- Dort has made a living being one of the premier hounds on the perimeter.
In a series where his shot and overall scoring production have nosedived, what else is he offering if not that patented hustle defense? It hasn't been felt in this series yet, and if it isn't in Game 7, I guess it's Cancun on three.
Alex Caruso
Alex Caruso is only on this list because he has been the steady hand that has consistently brought the energy needed to win ball games.
Quick side note, his box scores have been great this series, and if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander weren't on the team, Caruso would easily get the Magic Johnson Trophy if the Thunder were to advance to the NBA Finals.
Every time he has checked into a game this series, it feels like the Thunder tick up a level or two. The guy just brings it night in and night out.
With Oklahoma City's season on the line, Caruso's energy and aggression will need to be at a 10, just like it was last year when he fueled the Thunder's closeout of Denver with some great defensive plays.
If OKC can match Caruso's force, energy, aggression, and whatever else he brings, the roof of Paycom Center will blow off, and the Thunder will be in the Finals for the second-straight season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google