If the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder go deep within the 2025 NBA playoffs, Chet Holmgren will likely be a significant piece. The 23-year-old aced by way of one spherical of assessments as he was one of many first-seed’s finest gamers in a Spherical 1 sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Holmgren averaged 18.5 factors, 7.8 rebounds and a pair of.8 blocks. He shot 42.3% from 3 on 6.5 makes an attempt. Whereas Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled with consistency, Holmgren and Jalen Williams stepped as much as win the first-round sequence.
After a Spherical 2 exit final yr, Gilgoeus-Alexander spent the Thunder’s historic 68-14 marketing campaign prepping up his teammates for this yr’s playoff run. That is particularly essential contemplating all people apart from the MVP candidate pale into the background in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks.
Quick-forward a yr later, Gilgeous-Alexander observed the leap Holmgren has taken. Whereas the seven-footer missed many of the season with a hip fracture, that hasn’t slowed him down from being a dominant presence within the playoffs.
“He’s a world of a greater participant. Smarter, extra bodily. The sport is slowing down for him,” Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned. “All the pieces I anticipated out of Chet. The expertise alone has at all times been there however the work ethic is what makes him who he’s.”
The Thunder will want Holmgren to hold his momentum to their Spherical 2 sequence in opposition to the Denver Nuggets or the LA Clippers. Each carry their frontcourt challenges between Nikola Jokic and Ivica Zubac. If Gilgeous-Alexander returns to his MVP type and Holmgren continues to play like he did in Spherical 1, the Thunder will likely be tough to beat 4 out of seven occasions.
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