Chet Holmgren Talks Thunder's Offensive Struggles, Nikola Topić’s Return, and Navigating All-Star Weekend
The Thunder have been one of the league’s most intriguing young teams this season, but even promising cores hit bumps in the road. After a clunky offensive outing heading into the All-Star break, Chet Holmgren didn’t sugarcoat the issues that plagued Oklahoma City - and he made it clear the team knows what needs fixing.
On Offensive Rhythm: "It Was a Bad Cycle"
Holmgren was candid about the Thunder’s struggles to find flow on the offensive end.
“Just trying to find some continuity and some flow,” he said. “Parts of the game were clunky, and we weren’t quite able to execute the way we wanted to.”
That lack of execution did more than just stall possessions - it created a domino effect. With the offense sputtering, it put added pressure on the defense.
And when the defense couldn’t string together stops, it made it harder to get out in transition. It became a loop the Thunder couldn’t break.
“If we can’t get going on offense, it’s hard to get back in transition. If we can’t get stops, it’s harder to get out in transition,” Holmgren explained. “I feel like it was a bad cycle.”
That’s not the kind of note you want to carry into a six-day break. But Holmgren sees the opportunity to reset and come out of the All-Star pause sharper.
“You hate to have to take that into the break and sit on it,” he said, “but that’s what happened - and we’ve got to come out and be better.”
On Nikola Topić’s Return: "It’s Bigger Than Basketball"
One of the more emotional storylines surrounding the Thunder recently has been the return of Nikola Topić. The young guard made his way back to the court after a battle far more serious than any injury - a fight with cancer.
Holmgren didn’t mince words about the gravity of what Topić endured.
“I was fighting to get back to my career - anybody who’s battling cancer is fighting for their life,” he said. “I could never begin to understand what that’s like.”
For Holmgren and the rest of the Thunder, Topić’s return wasn’t just about basketball. It was a powerful reminder of resilience, and a moment that transcended the game.
“It just speaks to the strength of Tope and who he is as a person,” Holmgren said. “We’re all just so happy that he was able to battle through that and get back to hooping.”
Whether Topić made or missed every shot didn’t matter. The simple fact that he was back on the floor in uniform was a victory in itself.
“He could have made 100 shots, missed 100 shots - it’s an amazing game for him just being able to get out there and get some reps,” Holmgren said.
On Topić’s Fit: "He’s Probably the Most Pass-First Guy on the Team"
Topić’s return also brings a new dynamic to the Thunder rotation. And while there’s still an adjustment period ahead, Holmgren sees the potential in what Topić brings to the table.
“He’s a unique player,” Holmgren said. “On our team, he’s probably the most pass-first guy. He’s out there really trying to put guys in advantage situations and then look to score second.”
That approach requires some chemistry-building. The Thunder are learning how to play with Topić - and vice versa - but Holmgren is confident it’ll click with time.
“As we get better with him and he continues to get better, I think it’s going to be really good,” he said. “But all that stuff is secondary - first of all, we’re just happy that he’s back to good health.”
On the First-Half Run: "It Started With Stops"
Despite the overall struggles, the Thunder did show flashes - particularly during a late first-half run that sparked some momentum. According to Holmgren, it all began on the defensive end.
“I feel like it started with stops, and then we were able to get out and get some good looks,” he said. “Some shots went in.”
That stretch was a reminder of what this Thunder team can look like when the defense and offense are in sync. But Holmgren knows the challenge is sustaining that rhythm over four quarters.
“We just have to do that for longer periods throughout the game,” he said. “It’s not going to be perfect - you’re not going to go a whole game and get every look you want - but we’ve got to find better ways to sustain it.”
On All-Star Weekend: "Take Every Moment for What It Is"
As Holmgren heads into his first All-Star Weekend, he’s focused on striking the right balance - enjoying the experience without letting it become overwhelming.
“I don’t want to go in with too many expectations,” he said. “I kind of want to take every moment for what it is and make the most of it.”
With so many events, appearances, and obligations packed into the weekend, it’s easy for players to burn out. Holmgren’s approach is measured - enjoy the ride, but don’t overdo it.
“There are a million things you can do, and everybody has to pick what they want to allow their time for,” he said. “I just want to make the most of it, but I also understand there’s a point where you could be overdoing it - and I’m going to avoid that too.”
Bottom Line: The Thunder have work to do coming out of the break, and they know it. But they’re also getting healthier, more connected, and more experienced - and with players like Holmgren and Topić showing maturity beyond their years, OKC’s foundation remains strong.