Holmgren & Williams: Daigneault Expects Rebound
- Oklahoma City Thunder's young stars,Chet Holmgren and Jalen williams,experienced a tough NBA Finals debut in a narrow 111-110 Game 1 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
- Despite the rough start, coach mark Daigneault expressed confidence in their ability to rebound, emphasizing the unique situation thay face.
- Daigneault urged them to continue competing,learning from their mistakes,and applying those lessons moving forward,as they have throughout the playoffs.
Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder stumbled in their NBA Finals debut,but Coach Daigneault expects a rebound. The young stars combined for just 23 points in a heart-wrenching 111-110 Game 1 loss to the Pacers. Holmgren aims for advancement near the rim after a challenging performance, while Williams rejects any excuses, focusing on his impact. Daigneault emphasizes learning and growth for his key players. Williams, fresh off an impressive playoff run, understands the pressure. News Directory 3 will be watching closely to see how these rising talents adapt to the intensity of the Finals. Will their adjustments propel the Thunder to victory in the upcoming games? Discover what’s next.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren,Jalen Williams Face Finals Test
Updated June 7,2025
Oklahoma City Thunder’s young stars,Chet Holmgren and Jalen williams,experienced a tough NBA Finals debut in a narrow 111-110 Game 1 loss to the Indiana Pacers. The 2022 lottery picks combined for just 23 points, shooting 8-of-28 from the field.
Despite the rough start, coach mark Daigneault expressed confidence in their ability to rebound, emphasizing the unique situation thay face. He noted that performing at a high level in the Finals is not typical for third-year players, but Holmgren and Williams have earned their place.
Daigneault urged them to continue competing,learning from their mistakes,and applying those lessons moving forward,as they have throughout the playoffs. He acknowledged that while they haven’t always played their best, they consistently prepare for the next challenge.
Williams,an All-NBA third team and all-Defensive second team selection,averaged 20.4 points during the Thunder’s Western Conference playoff run.He overcame a shooting slump against the denver Nuggets, bouncing back with a strong performance in Game 7 and averaging 22.2 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In Game 1 against Indiana, Williams scored 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting.
“I try and think of myself as somebody that’s very uncommon,” said Williams. “I don’t ever think that I’m in my third year becuase then that allows me to make excuses. I should just go out ther and play.”
Williams added that he embraces the pressure and duty of being counted on by his teammates, a role he feels he has held since last year.
Holmgren, with only a season and a half of NBA experience due to past injuries, averaged 16.4 points and 8.6 rebounds in the Western Conference playoffs, showcasing his rim protection and offensive capabilities. However, he scored just six points on 2-of-9 shooting in Game 1, playing 24 minutes.
“I feel like I could have slowed down,kind of finished some of those plays at the rim,” Holmgren said. “Obviously it hurts in a one-point loss. One single difference on one single play could have decided the whole game. Puts a magnifying glass on every single instance in the game. Everybody was feeling that on where they can be better.”
What’s next
Looking ahead, the Thunder will need Holmgren and Williams to elevate their play as they continue their NBA Finals journey against a tough Pacers team. Their ability to learn from game 1 and adjust will be crucial for Oklahoma City’s success.