OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 18: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 is interviewed with teammates Chet Holmgren #7 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder after beating the Denver Nuggets 125-93 in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Victor Wembanyama has wreaked havoc on the OKC Thunder’s rotation as the San Antonio Spurs stole Game 1 in double overtime, taking an early lead in the Western Conference Finals on Monday night.
Wembanyama’s defensive capabilities, which have been predicated on his length and eight-foot wingspan, have driven the Thunder to just their rotations and forced them to limit minutes for some players, including their starting center Isaiah Hartenstein.
According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, Wembanyama’s presence has led the Thunder to bench Hartenstein for long stretches because of his lack of floor-spacing ability.
“Against Wembanyama, two minutes into the first game of this series, the 64-win, defending champion Thunder realized that one of their elite performers was unplayable,” Hollinger wrote.
“Hartenstein can do a lot of things, but he can’t space the floor, and — as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers already found out — that is basically fatal for a big man playing against Wembanyama, who will just sit in the paint and destroy an entire offense by himself.”
“Against Wembanyama, two minutes into the first game of this series, the 64-win, defending champion Thunder realized that one of their elite performers was unplayable. Hartenstein can do a lot of things, but he can’t space the floor, and — as the Minnesota Timberwolves and
The Thunder started flat, partly because of Wembanyama’s presence in the paint as he was attached to Hartenstein in the first few possessions, allowing him to help off the weak side. When the Thunder adjusted their lineups, the team’s offense loosened up and started to gain rhythm.
Since the first quarter, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has preferred to use Jaylin Williams or Chet Holmgren—both of whom can shoot from the 3-point range—as his center when Wembanyama is on the floor.
Hartenstein only played when Wembanyama was taking a breather and the Spurs were playing Luka Kornet as their center.
“Hartenstein didn’t play one second on offense against Wembanyama the rest of the game,” Hollinger added.
Hartenstein only logged 12 minutes in the double overtime game, finishing with just two points, two rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Wembanyama had 41 points and 24 points to lead the Spurs to a massive Game 1 victory.
GettyChet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs battle for a rebound during the first half at Paycom Center on January 13, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Holmgren, a longtime rival of Wembanyama, has been urged to guard the 7-foot-4 big for the rest of the series.
According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Holmgren should be the one defending Wembanyama to prove himself against the French big.
“Chet Holmgren, what’s up? We heard all this noise all these years that y’all don’t like each other,” Stephen A. said on First Take. “Chet Holmgren, you have to want this! You don’t like him right? You’re the champion and he’s coming to take what you got! What are you going to do about it?”
Stephen A Smith calls out Chet Holmgren for not guarding Wemby:
“Chet Holmgren, what’s up? We heard all this noise all these years that y’all don’t like each other…. Chet Holmgren, you have to want this! You don’t like him right? You’re the champion and he’s coming to take what
Holmgren had an underwhelming performance in Game 1, putting up just eight points and eight rebounds, a far cry from Wemby’s production.
In Game 1, the Thunder opted to use Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, and Jalen Williams as Wembanyama’s defenders to try to disrupt his rhythm, yet to no avail.
GettyOklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren drew tough comments after his weak performance against Victor Wembanyama in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
After Game 1, the Thunder is now 1-5 against the Spurs, including their regular-season meetings.
The Game 1 loss also handed the Thunder their only defeat so far in the playoffs, after sweeping their first two series against the Phoenix Suns and the LA Lakers.
Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals will be on Wednesday, March 20, in Oklahoma City.
Rob Andrew Lo Rob Andrew Lo is a writer at Heavy Sports and is covering the NBA. He has covered local, collegiate, professional and international sports in various sites. He was the sports editor of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of University of Santo Tomas, and a sports, entertainment, and lifestyle writer for Rappler. A Journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he has built his voice across both collegiate and international platforms, previously contributing NBA coverage to Fansided and Sportskeeda. More about Rob Andrew Lo
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