Chet Holmgren shines as Oklahoma City Thunder pursue historic season
The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the season with a myriad of narratives swirling around them. Questions loomed about the strength of the team, the potential effects of a championship hangover, and their ability to defend their NBA title against a formidable field. As the season approached, injuries became a focal point, raising concerns about how the Thunder would navigate an early stretch without several key contributors. Despite these challenges, the Thunder have silenced skeptics, proving their championship aspirations are very much alive.
Historic Start in Sight
Oklahoma City is off to a remarkable start, currently boasting a 24-1 record that positions them on track to shatter the Golden State Warriors’ all-time wins record for a season. The team’s performance has been nothing short of extraordinary, and a significant part of their success can be traced back to the remarkable development of Chet Holmgren.
Chet Holmgren’s Emergence
Holmgren, a central figure in the Thunder’s core, has not just contributed; he has transformed into one of the premier big men in the league. While his defensive prowess has long been recognized, this season marks a turning point. After a healthy offseason dedicated to improvement and conditioning, Holmgren’s offensive game has flourished. He has become a nightmare for opposing defenses, allowing Oklahoma City to operate at an almost unguardable level.
The numbers speak volumes. When Holmgren is on the court, the Thunder are a perfect 21-0. He is averaging a career-high 18.8 points per game while shooting an impressive 58.1% from the field— a significant leap from last season’s 49.0%. Moreover, his shooting from beyond the arc has also improved dramatically, as he’s knocking down 39.5% of his 3-point attempts on nearly four shots per game. Alongside his scoring, he contributes 8.0 rebounds and maintains his elite defensive status with averages of 1.5 blocks and 0.6 steals per game.
A Dominant Stretch
Holmgren’s recent performances have arguably been the best of his young career. Over the last six games, he has averaged 21.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, while shooting an astounding 65.8% from the field and 55.6% from three-point range. During this dominant stretch, the Thunder have gone 6-0, further solidifying their position as title contenders.
A Rising Star
Last season, Jalen Williams made headlines with his leap to All-Star status, earning All-NBA and All-Defensive Team honors. This season, Holmgren is clearly following a similar path, positioning himself as a strong candidate for the same accolades. His addition to the roster has unlocked a new level of potential for the Thunder, and his rise to stardom has elevated the team’s aspirations to historic heights.
With Holmgren playing at such a high level, it seems increasingly difficult to envision anyone managing to slow down this Thunder squad when they are at full strength. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the charge, but it is Holmgren’s ascendance that has infused the team with an energy and confidence that has proven essential. As they chase history, the Thunder appear poised for greatness.
