Chet Holmgren Gets Flamed For Ducking Victor Wembanyama Challenge in Game 1: “He Tucked His Tail”

The Oklahoma City Thunder facing the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals meant that all eyes would be on the battle between Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama.

The two lanky centers have been rivals since the day they started their NBA journeys. It is no secret that they do not like each other, and neither wants to even utter the other’s name.

Before this season, the Gonzaga alum had the upper hand. Winning his first championship with the Thunder gave him the bragging rights in this rivalry.

But now, after the regular season wins and Game 1, it is clear that the Frenchman has the upper hand over Holmgren. The latter’s performance in that game was so bad that many have started calling out his abilities.

I put this on Chet… You have to step up and accept that challenge. That’s what changes for OKC moving forward. If not, this could get really ugly… He tucked his tail.

DeMarcus Cousins said

The former four-time All-Star agreed with his Run It Back colleague Michelle Beadle that Chet Homgren looked scared. Cousins understands that maybe the Thunder had a different game plan to defend Victor Wembanyama.

Boogie Cousins blames OKC's Game 1 loss on Chet Holmgren 😬

"I put this on Chet… you have to step up and accept that challenge… he tucked his tail."@MichelleDBeadle | @boogiecousins | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/IW3mTdtinq

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 19, 2026

But when the Spurs superstar started to take over the game, Cousins would have preferred if the Thunder center had taken on the task of stopping him. He did not, and that is why the Kentucky alum is disappointed in the 24-year-old.

DeMarcus Cousins believes that the OKC star can keep his rival at bay. But he cannot go into games walking away from that challenge. If he does not, this series could be a wrap.

Stephen A. Smith calls out Chet Holmgren

Run It Back was not the only basketball discussion show discussing what went down in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. First Take starts the day, and when talking about how Victor Wembanyama dominated the game, Stephen A. Smith said this:

We heard all this noise all these years… y’all don’t like each other… You’ve gotta want this!… You’re the champion. He’s coming to take what you got! What are you going to do about it? Leave it to Alex Caruso? Leave it to Jalen Williams? You gotta guard that man! At some point, he gotta embrace that challenge.

Stephen A. Smith said

The 58-year-old understands that maybe head coach Mark Daigneault specifically assigned the shorter players to guard the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

Stephen A Smith calls out Chet Holmgren for not guarding Wemby:

“Chet Holmgren, what’s up? We heard all this noise all these years that y’all don’t like each other…. Chet Holmgren, you have to want this! You don’t like him right? You’re the champion and he’s coming to take what… pic.twitter.com/h9RfpSlXYG

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 19, 2026

But he pointed to all the great players of the past who have stepped up when they felt their opponent was taking over. This is a rivalry, and Smith wants the All-Star to step up and slow down his nemesis. If not, then all the talk about not liking him will be thrown out of the window, and it will be Chet Holmgren who will forever be known as the loser in this battle.

Stephen A. Smith wants OKC to trade away Chet Holmgren

The executive producer was not done with his criticism of Chet Holmgren. After talking about the intent, Stephen A. Smith then proposed a trade.

How about if I sat up there and told you that you are Oklahoma City, and you are willing to let go of Chet Holmgren, and one of them young dudes… If anybody can afford to let go of two players, it is OKC. Along with 2 first-round picks and 2 second-round picks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, what would you say to that?

Stephen A. Smith said

With Giannis Antetokounmpo supposedly back on the market, the father of two wants the Thunder to make the most of all the assets they have at their disposal.

Would Giannis be a great addition to the Thunder if they lost to the Spurs? 👀@stephenasmith, @RealMikeWilbon and @Mr_Camron share their thoughts 🗣️ ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/DBofp9mOi1

— First Take (@FirstTake) May 19, 2026

They can give the Milwaukee Bucks what they are asking, and still have enough for the future. But they will have one of the best defenders in the league on their roster, the one who does not duck away from a battle with the man who could end their championship hopes.

Also Read:

• Jaylen Brown’s Outburst Has Ex-Celtics Talking, Says Kendrick Perkins
• Stephen A. Smith’s Warning to Jaylen Brown About Revealing Secrets Irks Fans – “Textbook Definition Narcissist?”