From the Game 1 meltdown to setting the tone in Game 2, Chet Holmgren‘s game has been a roller coaster. OKC has bounced back well in Game 2, and it is time to turn up the engines. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was outstanding, and the rest of the squad followed. However, it seems that the Chet Holmgren factor is starting to be a huge concern as OKC seeks to turn the West Semifinals in their favor during the next two games in Denver.
Holmgren has been subject to a lot of criticism this postseason. From fans questioning his consistency to praising his dominance in the paint, it has been inconsistent of sorts. Still, at the age of 23, the former Gonzaga center has a lot to learn in the game. After two games in the Denver series, Holmgren may be the key to beating Denver after all.
The Chet Holmgren Factor: The Key to Beating Denver
Holmgren’s Impact on the Floor
Holmgren is one of the key players in the Thunder rotation, and his game has been praised a lot thanks to his length and ability to space the floor. So far, he’s been able to do that in two games against the Nuggets. He did, however, cost OKC a win after missing two free throws in the dying moments of Game 1, but he responded well in Game 2.
AARON GORDON KNOCKS IT DOWN FOR THE DENVER WIN 😱😱😱
WHAT AN ENDING. pic.twitter.com/1yZtHMsnxI
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 6, 2025
The Thunder center sank all seven of his free throws in Game 2. It was a perfect example of how the Holmgren makes a huge difference for OKC as a whole. In two games, Chet has averaged 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks. But there was a stark difference between his performances in the first two games.
The biggest difference was the aggressive approach. He did not let himself get carried away with the disappointing Game 1 loss. This double block on Aaron Gordon was a show of force from the big man.
What's better than one block?
TWO BLOCKS ‼️ pic.twitter.com/Qfm44FcwIZ
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 8, 2025
At halftime, Holmgren had 10 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and was a +24. Those six rebounds already tied his total from Game 1, showing the difference in his approach to the game. He was slashing through the court with his long strides and crashing the glass while defending at a high level.
By the end of the game, Holmgren finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and two of each blocks, assists, and steals. The Thunder center was all over the floor, and he did show that he can battle through adversity.
What Should Holmgren Improve Further?
Nikola Jokic did get 42 points and 22 rebounds in Game 1, but it was as messy as it can be. The 2023-24 MVP winner had to attempt 29 shots in that win, but only had 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists on 6-16 shooting in Game 2.This is the most worst Jokic stat line that we have seen in the 2025 NBA Playoffs so far.
The key defender? Chet Holmgren. Jokic had a total of six turnovers in Game 2 and 13 for the whole series. Some would say that Holmgren is too skinny and would rather have Isaiah Hartenstein defend him, but that doesn’t seem to be the issue so far as OKC still keeps on using the double-big scheme and are thriving off it. Holmgren just has to lock him up better if OKC is going to steal at least one game in Denver.
Nikola Jokic in Game 2:
17 Points
6-16 FG
60% FT
-36 +/-
6 Turnovers13 TURNOVERS IN 2 GAMES…BUT HE “DOESNT CARE ABOUT BASKETBALL” SO IT’S OK 🙌🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/GAuAMQ8Jfz
— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) May 8, 2025
Another point of improvement for Chet Holmgren would be his three-point shooting. Despite being an improved shooter, Holmgren is just shooting 33.3% from three, missing all three attempts in Game 1. He did, however, knock down two of his three attempts in Game 2. Holmgren has to keep shooting better as it helps stretch the floor for OKC, allowing cutters like Jalen Williams to open up opportunities.
As the series shifts to Denver, it should be a no-brainer that OKC will have to fight harder than it did in the first two games. There’s more to expect from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistent game, and Jalen Williams’ continued rise to the playoff intensity. However, the Chet Holmgren factor is going to be huge if the Thunder will push for a Western Conference Finals run for the first time since 2016.
Photo credit: © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
