Chet Holmgren Rebounds From Game 7 Struggles, Shakes Off Flagrant In Win Over Spurs

Chet Holmgren had 14 points, seven rebounds and four blocks as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 116-104 in Tuesday’s season opener. As the main defender on Victor Wembanyama, Holmgren helped hold him to 1-of-13 shooting.

San Antonio eliminated Oklahoma City in Game 7 of last season’s Western Conference finals. Holmgren had four points and four rebounds in that game.

“Chet is an All-NBA talent on both ends of the floor,” said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 32 points. “When he’s himself, your team is better. It’s as simple as that.”

Early in the second quarter, Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox grabbed Holmgren by the shoulders while he was posting up and threw him to the floor. Fox was called for a flagrant 1.

Thunder players rushed in to confront Fox, and Wembanyama stepped in to defend his teammate. After a review, officials gave technical fouls to Wembanyama and to Jaylin Williams, Jalen Williams and Kenrich Williams.

“I’m going to get up and keep hooping, but I appreciate my teammates having my back,” said Holmgren. “I’m not necessarily sure how exactly we get three techs for reactions to something else. I don’t totally understand that.”

Fox suggested Holmgren exaggerated the contact.

“[If] somebody grabs you like that and you go flying on the floor like that, you’ve got other problems to worry about,” said Fox. “I didn’t throw him that hard, I promise you.”

Jalen Williams said the technical would cost him $2,500.

“It’s the first ever Williams, Williams, Williams T’d up,” said Jalen Williams. “Happy to be a part of it.”