Chet Holmgren produces a mind blowing First Half against the Memphis Grizzlies

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened up their Holiday home stand with a must-win matchup against the depleted Memphis Grizzlies. While being over double-digit favors in this contest, the OKC Thunder enter halftime up 15 in large part thanks to a mind-blowing first half by Chet Holmgren.

After missing the entire 2022-23 campaign, NBA Rookie Chet Holmgren has splashed onto the scene, averaging 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a pair of blocks per game. Shooting 55 percent from the floor, 36 percent from deep, and 87 percent from the charity stripe, it is easy to tell the difference Holmgren makes.

In the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Gonzaga product jumped off the page with great activity and turned in an extremely productive first half for the OKC Thunder.

Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren was incredible in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies.

During his first 16 minutes of action, Chet Holmgren logged 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a jaw-dropping five blocks. Holmgren shot 1-for-2 from three-point land while missing just three shots inside the arc.

The seven-footer did it all, hammering home a lob from Kenrich Williams, spinning through traffic for a pair of tough rim-finishes through the lane, and, of course, cleaning things up down low at times.

His defensive ability is what stood out the most; the mind-blowing five first-half blocks do not even begin to describe his level of rim protection in this contest.

Mark Daigneault used both his challenges ensuring Holmgren got award two blocks, which in tern saved two buckets and a foul on Chet Holmgren in the process.

Overall, the paint was a no-fly zone with Holmgren in the game. Even at times getting beat to the spot but his incredibly recovery skills using his speed, length, and leaping ability saved the day.

Even beyond just the five rejections, there were shots the Grizzlies refused to put up in the first half of action simply because Holmgren was underneath the rim.

Oklahoma City continues a 68-53 lead as the second half is about to begin, and Holmgren is on pace for a ten block night.

For complete game action, check back to Thunderous Intentions post-game for grades, takeaways, recaps, and more.