NBA Makes Historic Chet Holmgren Announcement Amid Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 11:19 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the NBA playoffs with high hopes of competing for an NBA title.

For much of the season, the spotlight has shone brighly on MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and All-Star Jalen Williams.

On Tuesday, the NBA's official social media account took the time to share some historic news for Chet Holmgren, highlighting the play of the Thunder center.

"Tonight Chet Holmgren joined Dwight Howard (2x), Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon and Amar'e Stoudemire as the only players to total 20+ PTS, 10+ REB and 5+ BLK in a playoff game before turning 23 years old," posted the official social media account of the NBA.

Tonight Chet Holmgren joined Dwight Howard (2x), Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon and Amar'e Stoudemire as the only players to total 20+ PTS, 10+ REB and 5+ BLK in a playoff game before turning 23 years old.#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google pic.twitter.com/roB9sv2ns7
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2025

Holmgren capped off a 118-99 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies with 20 points and 11 rebounds. The 7-foot-1 center has averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game this season.

While he dealt with injury woes throughout his second season in the NBA, Holmgren continues to impress, placing himself in historic logs alongside legends like Shaquille O'Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder now hold a 2-0 series lead over the Grizzlies. They entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and have proven themselves to be legit NBA title contenders.

Gilgeous-Alexander leads the way for the Thunder, averaging 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.

In the Game 2 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, Gilgeous-Alexander posted 27 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

The Thunder will now travel to Memphis, looking to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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