Chet Holmgren Steps Up Big in Thunder Win, Balancing Scoring and Impact Amid Injuries
OKLAHOMA CITY - With the Oklahoma City Thunder down a few key bodies and coming off back-to-back home losses, they needed someone to step into the void. Enter Chet Holmgren. The rookie big man delivered exactly what the moment called for in Tuesday night’s 104-95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans - a performance that wasn’t just about points, but about presence.
Holmgren poured in 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, grabbed 14 boards, dished out five assists, and swatted four shots. But it was the way he responded after a quiet first half - just six points - that stood out. He came alive in the third quarter, scoring 14, and gave the Thunder a much-needed jolt of energy on both ends of the floor.
Still, if you ask Holmgren, it’s not about the numbers. It’s about reading the game and giving the team what it needs - whether that’s scoring, spacing, playmaking, or defending the rim.
“I’m always going to listen to the game and what our team needs to try and make the most of the game,” Holmgren said postgame. “At times it’s going to be scoring, at times it’s going to be movement, at times it’s going to be playmaking, at times it’s going to be whatever it might be.”
That mindset was on full display late in the game. With the Pelicans throwing double-teams at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - who finished with 29 points to lead five Thunder players in double figures - Holmgren became the release valve. He slipped into the pocket and made smart, decisive plays in four-on-three situations, keeping the offense moving and the defense scrambling.
“Some plays, get in there on the glass. Some plays, look to score.
I felt I got some really good shots there in the fourth. I didn’t convert on some of them, but I really liked the process,” Holmgren said.
“I just gotta keep that going - stay aggressive, but not get the blinders when I’m doing that.”
That balance - staying aggressive without forcing it - is what makes Holmgren so valuable in this Thunder system. Even after a quieter outing in the previous loss to Indiana, where he had 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting, Holmgren’s confidence in his role hasn’t wavered. He’s picking his spots, letting the game come to him, and finding ways to impact winning beyond just scoring.
And let’s not overlook the defensive side of things. With starting center Isaiah Hartenstein and All-Defensive forward Jalen Williams both sidelined, Holmgren has been asked to carry a heavier load protecting the paint.
He’s responded with poise and production, recording five or more blocks for the second time in two weeks on Tuesday night. His timing, length, and instincts continue to anchor a Thunder defense that’s had to get creative with its personnel.
Now, Holmgren heads back to familiar territory. Oklahoma City travels to Minnesota for a Thursday night matchup with the Timberwolves - a homecoming of sorts for the Minneapolis native. But this trip carries more weight than just a game on the schedule.
Holmgren addressed the recent unrest in his hometown, where two killings involving ICE agents have rocked the community.
“That’s a very loaded topic, obviously,” Holmgren said. “I don’t wanna get into the opinions and politics of everything, but I definitely just wanna send wishes to everybody up there that’s been affected.”
Holmgren spoke with emotion about the proximity of the events to his family and childhood memories.
“My parents’ house is three blocks from where the latest incident happened. I know that area well.
My sisters would always get donuts at the donut shop on that street. My grandpa’s favorite Greek restaurant is on that street.
It’s all very close. So, seeing that happen definitely takes you back,” he said.
“You never wanna see anything like that happen. I definitely think we’re too advanced as a species - just plain and simple - for things like that to be happening.
No matter what your opinions are or your beliefs are. You should be able to agree that nobody needs to be dying in the streets.”
It was a powerful moment of reflection from a player who’s showing maturity well beyond his years - both on the court and off it.
The Thunder continue their road swing with a tough matchup against the Timberwolves, followed by a Sunday showdown in Denver against the Nuggets. With Holmgren playing at this level and the team grinding through adversity, Oklahoma City is showing they’ve got more than just talent - they’ve got resilience.