Chet Holmgren’s Role Grows as Thunder Advance in Western Conference Finals

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — Chet Holmgren‘s performance for the Oklahoma City Thunder is gaining attention as the team pushes through the Western Conference Finals. Selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Holmgren was expected to shine as a star for the rebuilding team. However, he has faced challenges, including injuries that sidelined him for his entire rookie season and 50 games this year.

In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday, Holmgren played a crucial role even as other key players, including Rudy Gobert and Jaren Jackson Jr., remained on the bench. The Thunder secured a 114-88 victory against Minnesota, aided by Holmgren’s contributions of 15 points and seven rebounds in just 26 minutes.

“I was out there stinking it up in the first half,” Holmgren remarked after the game. “The game’s not gonna reward you for that. I feel like I turned up the intensity, played harder, was able to find a little more gas in the tank and really exert that.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren’s teammate, praised the rookie’s mindset. “It’s gone under the radar a little bit how hard it is to be a guy, then sit out for a couple months and have to integrate yourself into a team that has the best record in the NBA and not step on nobody’s toes,” he said. “The way he’s handled it has been special. I don’t know if he gets enough credit.”

Despite his injuries, Holmgren has embraced a supportive role on the Thunder, focusing on shooting and defense. His teammates, including All-Star Gilgeous-Alexander, have benefited from his presence, and his development seems promising.

The Thunder look forward to Holmgren’s continued growth as they aim for a deeper playoff run this season.