Chet Holmgren’s debut NBA Finals was supposed to be a showcase of a rising star — a unicorn of a big man with a rare combination of length, shooting, and rim protection. But through six grueling games against the Indiana Pacers, it’s been anything but smooth for the Oklahoma City Thunder rookie. In fact, Holmgren is now on the wrong side of history, posting a field goal percentage of just 35.3% — the worst for a center in NBA Finals history (since the 1976 NBA-ABA merger) with at least 50 shot attempts.
That’s a shocking stat, especially for a player whose touch, mobility, and finesse around the rim helped him become a key piece in OKC’s run through the Western Conference. But in the Finals, under the weight of elite playoff defenses and the physicality of a hungry Pacers squad, Chet’s limitations have been exposed in real time.
A Brutal Matchup
Holmgren’s primary matchup has been Myles Turner — a seasoned shot-blocker and veteran presence who has used his strength and savvy to make life miserable for the Thunder big man. Time after time, Turner has crowded Holmgren’s airspace, bodied him in the post, and challenged everything at the rim. Indiana has also thrown help defenders at Chet, daring him to beat them physically — a battle he’s consistently lost.
Despite Holmgren’s skill set as a stretch-five, he’s struggled to capitalize on open looks and finish inside. His struggles around the basket have been particularly glaring: missed layups, rushed floaters, and a noticeable hesitation to go up strong when contested. It’s led to several Thunder possessions fizzling out with inefficient shot attempts, something they can’t afford in a series this tight.
Fatigue and the Physical Toll
It’s also clear that the grind of the playoffs — especially the Finals — is wearing on the rookie. Holmgren has never played this many games in a single season, and his thin frame, while manageable during the regular season, is showing signs of wear and tear now. The bumping, boxing out, and interior banging with bigger, stronger opponents has taken a toll. Chet looks fatigued, both mentally and physically, and his timing has suffered as a result.
Still Contributing on Defense
To his credit, Holmgren hasn’t completely vanished. He’s still been impactful on defense, contesting shots, altering drives, and holding his ground better than expected in certain matchups. His shot-blocking instincts are still sharp, and he’s done a decent job staying out of foul trouble. But when your offense is that inefficient — particularly from a center who’s expected to be a scoring threat — the pressure starts to mount.
A Learning Moment
Regardless of how Game 7 plays out, this Finals has become a reality check for Holmgren. The talent is there. The potential is undeniable. But the Finals demand a different level — of physicality, execution, and toughness — that he’s now experienced firsthand. For OKC to win, Chet needs to bounce back fast. Otherwise, this series — and this stat — could haunt him for a long time.
