Chet Holmgren Instrumental In Thunder’s Title Hopes

Leading to the biggest swing shift of the game, a transition three from a streaking Isaiah Joe, knocking down a monumental three from the corner to make it from a two-point lead to a seven-point Thunder lead.

Despite all the adversity, not only from in-game but the constant of being third most in missed games due to injury, only a handful of players could make a game-changing sequence, such as Holmgren did, which led to arguably the most impressive win of this season for OKC.

Winning has been Holmgren’s DNA from the jump, and moments like this and the wrinkles that he has shown throughout the year showcase what the Thunder could accomplish when he plays to his potential. His performances and impact on both sides of the floor have rightfully earned him his first All-Star nod and potentially other awards later down the line this year.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault had high praise for the 23-year-old after their victory over the Nuggets.

“He’s just a monster, guy’s just a winner, and I think we’ve seen that from the jump. But that’s just what he is,” Daigneault said at the postgame presser.

Fast forward to Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. Holmgren showcased his offensive versatility: Scoring a game-high 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting from the floor, including knocking down six threes. Demonstrating how great a scorer the young rising star can be.

Holmgren has always been a force in the paint, and the statistics have shown that he’s a top-three rim-protector in the league, but the Thunder would love to see more of the offensive production he produced Wednesday night, as it is pivotal to the Thunder’s success.

Holmgren is having the most productive season of his career across points, rebounds, and field goal percentage, averaging 17.3 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. His production has been so valuable for OKC, in an injury-riddled season, and for the Thunder’s title hopes, and will need to continue to be the case.

His efficiency has taken quite the jump, as he is currently ranking in the upper echelon in the NBA in field goal percentage, as he is shooting 55.2% from the floor in 56 games played.

Holmgren’s impact showcases how he’s the most important Thunder: whether it’s anchoring the paint, getting it done in the trenches, or scoring like Wednesday night, Holmgren does what it takes to play winning basketball for the Thunder. If he becomes more consistent in being assertive and playing with more force, it changes the dynamics of OKC, making them more dangerous this postseason than last year.