Chet Holmgren reveals silverware after shocking NBA Cup loss

OKLAHOMA CITY — It’s safe to say Chet Holmgren and Oklahoma City The Thunder made the most of the loss of the NBA Cup semifinal for the San Antonio Spurs, as it gave them five days off before facing the Los Angeles Clippers. Holmgren scored half of his 22 points in the first five minutes, and his aggressive offensive approach helped the Thunder win 122-101. The defending champions are back in the win column.

After the game, Holmgren talked about the importance of the Thunder’s extra days of practice this week, noting that an NBA Cup semifinal win against the Spurs would keep Oklahoma City in Las Vegas for Tuesday’s finals. Thunder instead took advantage of overtime went to practice ahead of Thursday’s game against the Clippers.

“He definitely just helped us get our legs back under us. We’ve already played a lot of games. It seems like it’s going fast and slow at the same time, but we’ve been able to work on some things we need to improve on – some things we’ve been losing track of,” Holmgren said. “I felt good coming into the game. Things were flowing. I was able to work on a few things individually, the last few days. So I think it was good.”

Chet Holmgren on Thunder’s extra days off after losing NBA Cup semifinal game: “He definitely just helped us get our legs out from under us…

We were able to work on some things that we need to improve on — some things we were losing track of. I felt good going into the game” pic.twitter.com/0CdZ1LhVDu

— Joshua Pavon (@joe_svai) December 19, 2025

Holmgren was 8-for-13 from the floor, including 3-for-5 from deep. He also finished with seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 19 of his 32 points in the third quarter before watching the Thunder’s reserves put up the finishing touches in a 21-point victory. Jaylen Williams added 20 points, five assists and two steals.

After defeating the Clippers, the Thunder will travel to face the Timberwolves on Friday for the second night of back-to-back games.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was excited about the Thunder loss

Chet Holmgren and the All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took the Thunder’s recent loss to heart Spurs in the semifinals of the NBA Cup, knowing that the focus will be given after a 16-game winning streak. The Thunder will have a chance to avenge their loss to the Spurs on the road next Tuesday, followed by a clash between the two on Christmas Day.

In the meantime, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will look for ways to improve, something the reigning league MVP does rejoicinghe said, according to ESPN’s Tim McMahon.

“Personally, I think it’s exciting,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s easier to learn when you don’t feel the way you want. It stings a little more.”

“We’re also going to see these guys (twice in the next five) games. So it’s going to be a good challenge — like an automatic test, almost like in school. If you fail a test, you’re going to have to retest a few days later. That’s probably how it’s going to feel. Losing is where you find growth and where you really get better.”

The Thunder recorded their 25th win in 27 games on Thursday.