Controversy Erupts as New Video Angle Shows Possible Chet Holmgren Travel in Final Minute

The recent footage appeared to show the NBA All-Star gathering the ball while pivoting through heavy contact from multiple Lakers defenders, including LeBron James.

The debate centered around whether Holmgren illegally moved his pivot foot or simply executed a legal heel lift while maintaining control. Most social media critics argued the play was likely legal, explaining that his right foot remained planted while officials focused more on the physicality around the rebound battle.

Despite the controversy, the basket stood, and the Thunder closed out the series moments later behind another dominant performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 35 points.

Holmgren quietly played a major role as well, contributing 16 points and nine rebounds while helping Oklahoma City remain undefeated this postseason at 8-0.

Chet Holmgren Played Crucial Role As Thunder swept the Lakers 

Chet Holmgren delivered when his contribution mattered most as Oklahoma City completed a second-round sweep on Monday night.

For the first time this postseason, Oklahoma City found itself in a true late-game battle. The Lakers pushed the defending champions to the brink behind strong performances from LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura.

It forced the Thunder into uncomfortable territory after trailing 84-80 entering the fourth quarter. That is when Holmgren stepped up.

After a difficult stretch where he committed costly fouls on Hachimura and Marcus Smart that nearly swung the game toward Los Angeles, the Thunder big man redeemed himself in the final minute. 

With traffic crowding the paint, Holmgren gathered a pass from Isaiah Hartenstein, patiently pivoted through multiple defenders, and exploded for a two-handed dunk that gave Oklahoma City a lead with 32 seconds remaining.

The basket ultimately became the defining play of the game.

The victory improved Oklahoma City to a perfect 8-0 this postseason and sent the reigning champions back to the Western Conference Finals looking increasingly like the NBA’s next dynasty.