3 Takeaways in OKC Thunder’s comeback win vs Cavs
Chet Holmgren is a dynamic two-way player.
The Chet Holmgren versus Evan Mobley matchup was a mouth-watering thought coming into the game. In the end, however, it was the lanky rookie that stood tall in historic fashion.
Holmgren recorded 16 points, 13 rebounds, and seven blocks, an OKC Thunder franchise record for a rookie. Holmgren is only the second player in NBA history — the other guy is Kristaps Porzingis in 2016 — to record that stat line with three three-point makes in a single game.
Impressive showing last night from Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren
— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) October 28, 2023
Showcased why he has the tools to be an impactful force on both sides of the ball. Special defensive talent that is already leaving his mark for this Thunder team
16 Points, 13 Rebounds, 2 Assists &… pic.twitter.com/8kpcMtjIpp
His impact was felt in so many ways throughout the game, and his length, at 7-foor-1 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, proved to be such a valuable asset against the Cavaliers with elite off-the-dribble scorers like Donovan Mitchell and Caris Levert.
Not only was he a superb stifler against driving guards, but he also held his own against third-year big man Evan Mobley.
Mobley, who is touted as one of the most promising bigs in the league, scored only three points on 1-for-8 shooting when guarded by Holmgren.
Mobley also turned the ball over twice against Chet and was blocked by the Thunder’s center three times.
On the offensive end, Holmgren made the most of his opportunities, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and only missed a single three-point shot, but no bigger made basket than his final-minute three that knotted the score to 102 and ultimately propelled the Thunder to the win.
Holmgren already showed what he is made of in his second regular season game of his career. Thunder faithful can only expect more from the guy, who is primed to be the missing piece in the team’s core for the future.