"Oklahoma City Thunder: No Excuses For The Defending Champions"

As celebrations took place Saturday night in OKC, a look of defeat
stared everyone in the face. Fans shocked and discouraged to see their
season end in defeat. San Antonio Spurs won game seven, while the
Thunder will go into an offseason with questions about what moves
need to be made. As a basketball fan and journalist, allow me to give
readers the brutal, uncut honest introspect of Oklahoma City's playoff
run.

A team who won back to back top seeds in the western conference,
OKC had everything in their favor. Two time reigning MVP Shai
Gilgeous-Alexander, same core of young players, head coach and
home court advantage. Injuries occurred with all-star Jalen Williams
who dealt with two hamstring injuries and Ajay Mitchell was in and out of
the lineup as well. Overall, one would say: "Yeah, long as MVP SGA is
getting buckets, there's no stopping us."

Well folks, you were fooled and bought into the hype while believing
there was a puncher's chance to win. Gilgeous-Alexander had one of
his worst playoff runs by literally throwing his body around foul baiting
opponents. A free throw merchant who lived by getting the whistles and
looking every single time. Points came from free throws, but far as
actually getting buckets, San Antonio's defense shut him down.

Even with OKC still winning the top seed, a lot of discontent started
early. In bad wins, SGA's body language sounded alarms; while the
team didn't look happy. Everyone grew tired of watching them flop every
possession to a point there had to be football played to send a
message. Even if it meant flagrant fouls, OKC had started a trend fans

hated. Unwatchable basketball and Gilgeous-Alexander getting every
whistle became close your eyes.

Here's where I get brutal and don't care what others may think.
Oklahoma City gets no passes from me in part of a team who had the
back to back MVP, this was a complete failure. Now, fans have come for
all-star Chet Holmgren's lackluster performance and I'll have more on
him in a few minutes. Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell were hurt; part of
the game and other guys needed to step up. Don't give me this "oh well
it wasn't meant to be." You may be right but when other superstar
players in LeBron James, Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards don't have
their co-stars, you don't make excuses for them?

Gilgeous-Alexander did his part, but shouldn't gotten to a game seven if
he'd stopped flopping for whistles. Officials were letting them play to
avoid harsh criticism from social media. He was the back to back MVP,
had some lackluster performances and still everyone making excuses.
Not me by any stretch of the imagination in regard to how other
superstars are held to higher standards. Players get hurt and others
must contribute any way possible.

Now to Chet Holmgren... Man oh man I've been waiting for this one! A
player with potential and length wanted to part of Wembanyama. Go
back and watch game seven folks! Man took two shots all game and
finished with four points. If he's an "all-star" and making super max
money, his play is under as much scrutiny of any other player. Don't give
me this "he played scared nonsense," and Wemby still made him look
foolish. Holmgren was a bystander who watched his team battle up and
down. No impact whatsoever and if he's the player fans tell me he is...
Why did he only take very limited shots in a win or go home game
seven?

Wembanyama and Holmgren's rivalry was supposed to be the next
great matchup. Nothing to see here because it's not even close to what
Thunder fans hoped for. The same media who dog walk other superstar
and all-star players will find some loopholes to defend Holmgren. I'm not
buying it because the same player who last year played with urgency
and contributed. Holmgren was healthy... Alex Caruso healthy... Jared
McCain healthy... Isaiah Hartstein healthy... So... What's the excuse
Thunder fans? Make it make sense!

With the offseason starting a little early, I would trade Holmgren,
Williams and however many draft picks to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.
After what Holmgren gave you in the West Finals, Antetokounmpo gives
more and beyond. The cabinet is stacked with picks which can swing a
blockbuster deal with Milwaukee. Holmgren gets a fresh start and
becomes the franchise cornerstone. Williams is the cherry on top in
making this trade happen.

San Antonio has arrived and Wemby is cementing his status as best
player in the world. Oklahoma City needs to do what's needed to stay
competitive. Even if trading away homegrown talent for superstars who
can keep you afloat and compete every single season. With the
Thunder facing a salary cap conundrum, trading away two players for
one is the best move. You can't run it back with the same core and have
issues with Holmgren not showing up in big moments.

In closing, I don't wanna hear any further excuses to why Oklahoma
City lost this series. You were given multiple opportunities and still
couldn't cash in. Flopping and foul baiting didn't work; which needs to be
addressed by league officials this offseason. Most of your team was
healthy and not having two twenty point scorers didn't matter. When the
lights became brighter, Oklahoma City didn't play their best. Enjoy your
offseason Thunder fans.