Alexander stated that this season is a failure: failing to achieve the title defense goal, with Wembanyama's ability being in a league of its own.

On June 1st Beijing time, the day after being stopped in the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder held their season farewell press conference. Regular season MVP Alexander directly stated that the team failed to accomplish the title defense goal, and this season was a failure for him.

"I didn't meet the established target," Alexander said. "I didn't get the results I wanted. But throughout my career, I often understand myself more deeply and experience the most growth when I face disappointment. This time is no different. There are reasons why we didn't reach the desired heights this season. Now I need to identify the problems and ensure we don't repeat the same mistakes."

The Thunder lost to the San Antonio Spurs in a seven-game thriller, and Alexander's usually consistent offensive efficiency declined. In this series, he averaged 25.9 points per game, with a shooting percentage of only 40.9% and a three-point percentage as low as 28.6%. During the regular season, he averaged 31.1 points per game, shooting 55.3% from the field and 38.6% from beyond the arc.

In Game 7, Alexander scored 35 points on 21 shots, delivering a spectacular performance and giving his all to lead the injury-riddled Thunder toward victory. However, the Spurs heavily focused their defensive efforts on the two-time MVP, making scoring extremely difficult for him. San Antonio's versatile young forward Stephen Castle guarded Alexander throughout the game, while the team's defensive rotations were always tilted toward him. On top of that, Victor Wembanyama, one of the league's historic shot-blockers, anchored the paint and protected the rim.

Under these multiple constraints, Alexander was mostly forced to take mid-range jump shots under heavy pressure, significantly reducing his attempts at the rim.

"They have a player inside who is in a league of his own," Alexander said regarding Wembanyama. "All of San Antonio's defensive schemes channel the offensive pressure toward him... This defensive system is very strong, but it's not impossible to score—it's just a completely different style compared to playing against other teams."

The Thunder were also missing key support in this game. The team's second-leading scorer, Jalen Williams, aggravated a left hamstring injury early in the second game of the series and played only 54 minutes throughout the entire series. After a brief appearance in Game 6, he was ruled out for Game 7.

"I could have helped the team," Williams admitted. "If I had been able to play, we might have won the series. Even with me out, it went to Game 7. I wouldn't have been a liability on the court. Of course, we have to give credit to the opponent—injuries are part of the game."

Starting player Ajay Mitchell, who moved into the lineup, also missed most of the series. In the previous second-round series against the Lakers, he performed well, averaging 22.5 points per game and helping the team sweep the opponent. However, he suffered a right calf strain in the third game of this round, ending his season.

With Jalen Williams and Mitchell sidelined, the scoring burden fell on starting center Chet Holmgren. But facing Wembanyama and the Spurs' overall defense, Holmgren underperformed. Over the seven games, he averaged only 7.3 shot attempts per game and scored 10.7 points.

Especially in Game 7, Holmgren was in a slump, playing 33 minutes, making 1 of 2 shots, and scoring just 4 points. In the final four games of the series, he attempted only three three-pointers, all of which missed.

"On one hand, the opponent's defensive lockdown was very effective; on the other hand, my own rhythm often got off track. There were actually quite a few shot opportunities, but I failed to convert them. That's something I need to improve on going forward," Holmgren said.

After the game, Alexander took the initiative to defend his teammate. He stated that it was Holmgren's presence in the starting lineup that allowed the Thunder to reach the top of the Western Conference standings, and emphasized that the team's future depends on Holmgren.

When asked if he would communicate with Holmgren and point out areas for improvement, Alexander responded: "My own performance in this series wasn't ideal either. Chet doesn't need me to set his offseason improvement plan. We both love basketball and are both determined to become the best versions of ourselves."