Chet Holmgren Has Strong Stance During Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 3:45 PM ET

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren was in the spotlight after the team's Game 1 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals.

Jalen Williams and Holmgren -- two third-year players -- didn't produce to the level fans wanted. With the Thunder losing by just one point at the hands of a last-second shot by Tyrese Haliburton, those two could have swung the game.

In 24 minutes, Holmgren shot 2-of-9 from the floor, scoring just six points and pulling down six rebounds.

The Gonzaga product is essential to this team, and his production will have to improve for Game 2.

“I could’ve slowed down. …it obviously hurts in a one-point loss. One single difference on one play could have decided the game. … I feel like everybody was feeling that," Holmgren said.

Evidently, Holmgren asked about whether Game 2 of the NBA Finals is a must-win. He had a strong stance on the matter.

“I wouldn’t say it’s any different than Game 1. Game 1 was a must-win. We didn’t win. Now we flip to Game 2 and it’s a must-win again," Holmgren explained.

Chet Holmgren on Game 2: “I wouldn’t say it’s any different than Game 1. Game 1 was a must-win. We didn’t win. Now we flip to Game 2 and it’s a must-win again.” pic.twitter.com/X98DJPEfR3
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 7, 2025

The message is clear: every game is a must-win.

This is the NBA Finals, this should be the stance every player on the hardwood takes.

Williams and Holmgren will certainly have an added layer of urgency with this in mind, especially when considering their Game 1 performances.

The Pacers had a barrage of made shots late in the game, but the Thunder still could have controlled the game late with a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.

Holmgren, Williams and the rest of the Oklahoma City squad should have extreme urgency with every minute played in the series, but most importantly in Game 2.

The last thing the Thunder wants is to head to Indianapolis trailing the Pacers 0-2 in the series.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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