{"id":192095,"date":"2026-04-23T15:23:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T19:23:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=192095"},"modified":"2026-04-23T15:23:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T19:23:19","slug":"chet-holmgren-defense-determine-thunder-suns-series","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/04\/23\/chet-holmgren-defense-determine-thunder-suns-series\/","title":{"rendered":"Chet Holmgren’s Defense Will Determine Thunder-Suns Series"},"content":{"rendered":"

Defense wins championships. The Oklahoma City Thunder made that known when they launched into the stratosphere last year. Now up 2-0 in their series against the Phoenix Suns, it seems history is repeating itself. With the series shifting to Phoenix, the next two games’ outcome may vary on Chet Holmgren<\/a>‘s defense and his increased production for OKC<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It cannot be denied that the Thunder center has been valuable to their success. He is one of the best defenders this league has seen in a long while, and he’s such a rare talent so far. OKC has seen some ups and downs this year, but Holmgren has been able to help them stay competitive and consistent. Now they’re on the hunt to close out this series against Phoenix on the road.<\/p>\n

Chet Holmgren’s Defense Will Determine Thunder-Suns Series<\/span><\/h2>\n

Each of the last two first-round series OKC has played has ended up in a sweep. It was a total domination from the defending champs, and they’re on the pace to do it again. Those last two sweeps would not have been possible without Holmgren manning the middle. His presence deters opponents from attempting shots in the paint. And those who directly challenged him have learned their lesson.<\/p>\n

But as this title chase continues, it seems his impact will dictate how this series will turn out.<\/p>\n

<\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n

Holmgren’s Defense Is A Blessing For OKC<\/h3>\n

By the end of Game 2, the Thunder have now set a +300 point differential in any 15-game stretch in the playoffs. Of course, you have to give credit to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a>‘s leadership, but also to the defensive guys like Lu Dort<\/a>, Alex Caruso<\/a>, and Cason Wallace<\/a>. However, outside of that, Holmgren is the one you’ll want to count on, especially when it comes to guarding the rim.<\/p>\n

Sure, Holmgren may not be the consensus best defender in the league. But in another timeline, critics may have praised his overall game better than most people think. He’s the biggest reason OKC is running teams out of the gym. By now, you should know that this is the norm ever since the Gonzaga product came in.<\/p>\n

\n

OKC is the first team in NBA history to post a +300 point differential over any 15-game span at home in the playoffs, dating back to last postseason \ud83e\udd2f pic.twitter.com\/6mmObCeFlh<\/a><\/p>\n

— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n