The Thunder’s thunderous backcourt had it all going tonight. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 40 after a season-low performance in Game 3. Jalen Williams escaped through tough defense on his way to 34 points in the Thunder’s marginal two-point victory in Game against the Timberwolves. In a game where both teams made eye-popping shots, their contributions were vital. But what if they weren’t the ones who caused the most trouble to Anthony Edwards and Co.
You see, the Thunder are a three-headed giant. Their third and tallest head, Chet Holmgren, was supreme tonight. The versatile center stretched his long arms to impact every facet of the game. Whether it was rebounding the ball or swatting away shots to shift momentum, Holmgren was the man for it. That’s why Anthony Edwards 23 year old his flowers.
“Yeah, I mean J Dub had a bunch of open ones. He made some tough ones too. Shay made some tough ones. But I think Chet changed the game for him more than anything. The easy points he had, the easy rebounds, put-backs, all his points, I think that was the game changer,” Edwards said about the Thunder’s slender center.
Holmgren’s contributions were imperative, especially in the fourth quarter. The former second overall pick enjoyed a 9-point fourth, missing just one of his five shots. Put that together with his 3 blocks for the game and key offensive rebounding opportunities, and Holmgren is a star in the making.
Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The towering force for the Thunder can become a belligerent menace on the night of his choosing. Tonight he did so. But why doesn’t it happen more often? There’s a reason for it, and it might a number of NBA teams who are watching the series.
Chet Holmgren is yet to be a part of the Thunder’s plans
Chet Holmgren had an injury-filled campaign, limiting him to just 32 games. Likewise, with Isaiah Hartenstein’s introduction and his absence, the Thunder worked with what they had. Eventually, when he did return, OKC seemed to have trusted in his abilities to operate without Hartenstein. The more they tested the lineup, the more answers they got.
But because Holmgren’s availability was scarce, the Thunder have yet to make any plays for the seven-footer.
“Yeah, it was amazing. Like you said, on both ends of the floor, he affects the game at such a high level. And it’s crazy because he’s out there just running around right now. Like, we don’t really call plays for him, he rarely gets anything set for him. He’s only out there playing off feel and affecting the game at a high level… He’s just a winning player,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said about his teammate.
Even though Holmgren’s health hasn’t allowed the Thunder to fully integrate him, he continues to make a compelling case. Holmgren has scored 20 or more points six times in his postseason career. The Thunder have only lost once. This year, they haven’t lost any of the four games with Chet Holmgren scoring 20 or more.
It’s hard to project the ceiling on such a breathtaking player. Holmgren can have a bad day and still be effective due to his rim protection. Additionally, his acumen and selflessness all help propel the Thunder to their peak as a team. Holmgren is willing to be anybody who helps the Thunder win.
But don’t get it wrong. If given the opportunity to go on a scoring tear, Holmgren won’t hesitate either.
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