Thunder's Chet Holmgren drops truth bomb on Spurs after Game 4 loss appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Oklahoma City Thunder walked into San Antonio with a golden opportunity to seize total control of the Western Conference Finals. Instead, they left with a harsh reality check. Following Oklahoma City 's ugly 103-82 defeat in Game 4 on Sunday night, Thunder star Chet Holmgren offered a brutally honest evaluation of why the series is suddenly tied at 2-2.
Rather than blaming poor shooting luck or officiating, Holmgren admitted the Spurs simply wanted the game more .
"I think overall they played like their season was on the line and we didn't," Holmgren said afterward, via Clemente Almanza of the Thunder Wire.
"And it shows in the box score. We didn't have the sharpness, force, or precision necessary to crack them."
The numbers backed up his frustration. Oklahoma City shot a season-worst 33 percent from the field. The Thunder never established any offensive rhythm against San Antonio's physical half-court defense anchored by Victor Wembanyama .
Holmgren finished with just 10 points and nine rebounds. He struggled to consistently impact the game offensively. Meanwhile, the Spurs dominated the glass, controlled transition opportunities, and repeatedly won the hustle categories.
"It wasn't like they shot lights out tonight," Holmgren added . "The game was won at the free-throw line, on the glass, in transition, and their execution in the half-court was better on both ends."
The absence of key contributors Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell further exposed OKC's lack of offensive flow. Through 11 playoff games, Holmgren has averaged 16.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. He has also shot an elite 58 percent from the field. Now, the series has been reduced to a best-of-three. As such, the Thunder will need that efficiency and urgency to immediately return in Tuesday's pivotal Game 5.
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