The Oklahoma City Thunder watched a 15-point lead evaporate in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers, losing after Tyrese Haliburton's last-second heroics.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault is now facing some major scrutiny for his usage of big man Chet Holmgren in the loss.
The Thunder came into Game 1 of the NBA Finals as heavy favorites against the Eastern Conference champs, with many experts predicting a sweep. The Thunder instead find themselves in a 1-0 hole after the Pacers chipped away at the lead before Haliburton's jumper with 0.3 remaining gave them a 111-110 win.
Holmgren played only 24 minutes in the loss, heading to the bench for long portions of the second half. He finished the game with just six points on 2-of-9 shooting, adding six rebounds and one block.
Many fans took issue with Daigneault's strategy with Holmgren, questioning why the team didn't stick with their talented big man.
"Why would you bench Chet Holmgren," one fan wrote in a post on X.
Apr 4, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during a timeout against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during a timeout against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Erik Williams-Imagn Images
"Absolutely pathetic execution down the stretch. Not sure y the coach went small ball late either," added another. "Horrific rebounding down the stretch. Got holmgren and Hartestein on the bench for way too long smh"
But others said it was Holmgren's poor play that forced Daigneault to bench him for much of the second half.
"I cannot believe how bad Chet Holmgren was tonight. He was a complete non-factor," one fan shared in a post on X.
The Thunder will now try to bounce back from the loss in Game 2 in Oklahoma City on Sunday night.