Chet Holmgren sets NBA Finals benchmark as Thunder secure franchise’s first championship
The 2024-25 NBA season showcased the formidable strength of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s defense, a unit that proved instrumental in capturing the franchise’s inaugural championship title. At the heart of this defensive prowess was Lu Dort, a First-Team All-Defense selection, supported by Jalen Williams, a Second-Team honoree, and seasoned defender Alex Caruso, among others. Their collective efforts propelled the Thunder to an impressive 68 wins during the regular season, setting the stage for a historic playoff run.
Holmgren’s Resilience in the Playoffs
While the Thunder’s defense thrived throughout the season, the absence of star big man Chet Holmgren loomed large as he missed 50 games due to a hip injury. However, upon his return for the postseason, Holmgren’s impact on the defensive end was felt immediately. Despite struggling to regain his offensive rhythm, Holmgren’s defensive contributions were pivotal, particularly during the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
In a climactic Game 7, Holmgren made history by recording a staggering five blocks, a new NBA Finals record for a single game. This remarkable feat not only secured the Thunder’s victory but also underscored Holmgren’s seamless reintegration into the team’s defensive framework. His return was a testament to his skill, as he had been one of the league’s premier defensive players prior to his injury.
Statistical Milestones and Defensive Dominance
Recent analysis from Todd Whitehead at Sportradar further highlights Holmgren’s defensive excellence. He led the league in a specialized metric known as ‘points erased’ during the 2024-25 season. This statistic measures the effectiveness of a defender in reducing the expected points value of shots taken by opposing players, specifically focusing on two-point attempts. Whitehead explains this metric as reflecting “the average reduction in expected possession value during the final second before the player he was guarding took a shot.”
Holmgren’s ability to alter opponents’ shots and minimize scoring opportunities has set a new standard in defensive performance, making him a critical asset for the Thunder as they look to build on their championship success and continue to dominate in the years ahead.
