It’s hard to put into words just how impactful Chet Holmgren is to this Thunder basketball team, especially considering Oklahoma City’s record when he was sidel

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gifted Oklahoma City Thunder teammates lavish gift boxes after winning the 2025 NBA MVP award

Minneapolis native Chet Holmgren could block his hometown team from winning a championship. Holmgren, a 7-foot-1 forward/center, has helped the Oklahoma City Thunder take a 2-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.

"Chet was great. When he's the best version of himself, we're the best version of ourselves as a unit. It's no surprise he affects the game at such a high level. From the moment he was on this basketball team, our win column went up," SGA said when asked about Holmgren shifting gears in the final quarter.

In the midst of playoff pressure and emotional highs, the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to lean on their identity of defense. Following the game 2 win, Jaylen Williams and Chet Holmgren shared insight into the team’s mindset, recent accolades, and the evolution of their chemistry on and off the court.

Fans flame ESPN for using virtual reality to highlight Chet Holmgren's dunk during Game 2 of Thunder-Timberwolves WCF series

Jalen Williams & Chet Holmgren talk to the media postgame together after the Thunder win Game 2 of the WCF at home.

Chet Holmgren was expected to be a star for the rebuilding Thunder when he was selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft, but it hasn’t fully worked out that way, writes Anthony Slater of The Athletic.