In their first game back from the All-Star Break, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a gritty win against the Brooklyn Nets. While the Thunder's shooting wasn't stellar-hitting just 42.2% from the field and 37.1% from beyond the arc-their defensive prowess shone through, holding the Nets to a mere 86 points.
Jared McCain emerged as the offensive standout, dropping 21 points in what was arguably his best performance in a Thunder jersey. However, it was Chet Holmgren who played a pivotal role, contributing 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. His ability to exploit mismatches in the paint and draw contact was crucial, especially against a Brooklyn squad lacking answers for his size and skill.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams sidelined, Holmgren's development becomes even more critical. Averaging 17.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season, and shooting 35.6% from three, Holmgren is already making waves. He's even a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, assuming Victor Wembanyama doesn't meet the 65-game requirement.
Holmgren's usual role allows him to be selective, capitalizing on opportunities when Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams drive the offense. But their absence demands a more assertive approach from him. He needs to dominate the paint and leverage his size against defenders, as he did effectively against a Nets team missing Nic Claxton, their primary rim protector.
The next phase for Holmgren is refining his offensive arsenal. While he's shown flashes of brilliance, he occasionally settles for low-percentage shots and lacks creativity at the rim.
With the San Antonio Spurs breathing down their necks for the top seed, Oklahoma City can't afford complacency. Holmgren must step up as the main offensive force, and his performance against Brooklyn suggests he's ready to embrace that challenge.