Holmgren, Williams struggle in Finals debut as Thunder lose Game 1

OKLAHOMA CITY — Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams faced challenges in their NBA Finals debut as the Oklahoma City Thunder fell 111-110 to the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. The 2022 lottery picks combined for 23 points, shooting just 8-of-28 from the field.

Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault expressed confidence in the duo’s ability to rebound. He emphasized that performing well in the Finals is not typically expected of third-year players. “Usually delivering in the Finals is not on the curriculum for third-year players, and they have thrust themselves into that situation, which is a credit to them,” Daigneault said after practice. “Now that they are here, they have to continue to do what they have done all the way through the playoffs.”

Jalen Williams, 24, a third-team All-NBA selection, averaged 20.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game throughout the playoffs. Despite facing a shooting slump, he rebounded in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals with a solid performance, scoring 24 points. “I try and think of myself as somebody that’s very uncommon… I just think I’ve been counted on since last year to be totally honest,” Williams mentioned. He scored 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting in Game 1.

Chet Holmgren, 23, a strong rim protector, only managed six points on 2-of-9 shooting in Game 1. He played 24 minutes in a modified starting lineup. Facing the pressure of being in the Finals, Holmgren reflected, “I feel like I could have slowed down, kind of finished some of those plays at the rim.” His performance will be crucial as Oklahoma City seeks to compete in the series.

As the Thunder prepare for Game 2, Daigneault and the players hope to learn from their first experience and apply those lessons moving forward.