Chet Holmgren's Bold Statement Defines Thunder's Championship DNA
So here we are, deep into the 2025 NBA Finals, and what a series it’s shaping up to be. Game 1 is already in the books, and it was nothing short of stunning. The Indiana Pacers snatched a win right out of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s hands with a clutch game-winner by Tyrese Haliburton with just 0.3 seconds left. That shot not only silenced the crowd in OKC but set the tone for what could be a nail-biting series. Despite leading nearly the entire game — by as much as 15 in the fourth quarter — the Thunder couldn't close. But there’s more to the Thunder’s story than just the scoreboard.
In the midst of the NBA Finals pressure cooker, Chet Holmgren dropped a statement that deserves attention. Standing confidently in front of the media, donning a cap with his own brand, Holmgren didn’t mince words when he described the Thunder's mindset. “We have a team of 17 winners,” he said. And honestly, that tells you everything you need to know about what makes this OKC team so dangerous — and so admired. It's not just about raw talent or flashy highlights. It's about the mindset.
Holmgren went on to say, “Everybody is a winner until it’s inconvenient for them.” That line hit differently. It’s one thing to win when everything’s going well — when the shots are falling, the crowd is behind you, and the game is in your control. But this Thunder squad? They’ve bought into a culture that demands more — more sacrifice, more trust, and more resilience. That kind of unity is rare, especially for such a young team.
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This isn't just lip service, either. Look at Cason Wallace, the 21-year-old rookie who’s taken on a role that most lottery picks would’ve pushed against — defensive specialist, low-usage scorer, team-first player. “Everybody can’t be the man,” Wallace told The Athletic . “Whatever it takes to win is the mindset we all have.” That kind of maturity? That’s not normal at this stage in a player’s career, and it speaks volumes about the tone being set from top to bottom in the Thunder organization.
Sure, Game 1 didn’t go as planned. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league MVP, had a monster night with 38 points. But he missed the one shot that mattered most, and that’s the thin line between winning and losing at this level. The Pacers, with their gritty defense and fast-paced offense, found a way to hang around despite turning the ball over 25 times. That’s wild. It shows that the Finals aren’t just about star power — they’re about who can impose their identity night after night.
Still, the Thunder are far from shaken. Holmgren’s leadership — subtle, understated, but powerful — is part of what gives this team its edge. He's stepping into his role not just as a shot-blocking, floor-stretching big man, but as a voice. And that voice is saying: we're here to win the right way, together.
Game 2 is coming, and OKC has a chance to bounce back on their home floor. The series is just getting started, and if Holmgren’s words are any indication, the Thunder aren't just playing for a ring — they’re playing to prove that selfless, winning basketball still matters.
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