While it's hard to pinpoint one particular factor that influenced the OKC Thunder more than others during their upset Game 1 demise against the Pacers, arguably the biggest takeaway from the contest was just [how poorly Chet Holmgren performed](https://thunderousintentions.com/okc-thunder-painfully-familiar-chet-holmgren-problem-could-cost-nba-finals).
It's undeniable that the 23-year-old has proven to be one of the top influencers toward winning ways in Oklahoma City over the past two seasons, as he regularly contributes a lethal combination of inside-out scoring mixed with elite rim-protecting skills.
The Ringer's Bill Simmons has even [gone as far as to label him](https://www.youtube.com/live/tssP_fIV6mI?si=ZsTMeqHc_V1yvE6k&t=1195) one of the top 20 players in the entire league.
Yet, during Thursday's NBA Finals series opener, Holmgren produced more as a mere role player than a franchise cornerstone.
With his lackluster end-game stat line of 6 points and 6 boards to his direct assignment of Myles Turner pouring in 15 points and blocking three shots (two of which came at the expense of Chet), on both ends of the ball, the big man simply did not provide enough to help stave off their current 0-1 series hole.
Now, heading into Sunday's Game 2, it's more than evident that Holmgren should be looking to come into the contest with a bit of a different approach to his play, and there's one specific tweak that may be vital to the Thunder evening up this series at one win apiece.
**Thunder need to find Chet Holmgren more long-range shooting looks**
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Though he may have the height to serve as a menacing down-low presence, what with his ridiculous 7-foot-2 build, a major reason why Chet Holmgren is one of the game's unique unicorn talents is, in large part, due to his ability to stretch beyond the arc and cash in from three.
Throughout his professional tenure, the lengthy wunderkind finds himself hoisting up 6.8 attempts from distance per 100 possessions and boasts an impressive conversion rate of 37.2 percent.
In 2024-25, it's become more than apparent that this aspect of his play has served as a major part of Oklahoma City's formula for success, as he's averaged 3.6 shots from beyond the arc in all wins this year.
However, for some reason, in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the offense shied away from utilizing Holmgren's smooth shooting stroke from distance, as he hoisted just one unsuccessful three-point attempt during the entire game.
Oddly enough, their offensive approach appeared to lean into using the Thunder stud as more of a traditional, low-post weapon, as eight of his nine shots came from inside the painted area. Unsurprisingly, against the stronger and sturdier Turner, this plan of attack proved to be highly ineffective, as Holmgren made just two of these specific looks.
As a whole, in Game 1 Oklahoma City attempted 8.8 fewer shots from beyond the arc than they did throughout the regular season, and 7.4 fewer than they had during this year's playoff run prior to the championship round.
During Sunday's Game 2, coach Mark Daigneault may want to strongly consider drawing up a few more long-range friendly plays to help bring their offense back to its usual format.
Chet Holmgren, in particular, should be prioritized more out on the perimeter in their follow-up outing, for, whether he's splashing in looks at his regular rate or simply serving as a decoy and, in turn, pulling the shot-swatting savant in Turner away from the rim, his presence from deep should only benefit the Thunder.