In a commanding victory over the New Orleans Pelicans during Game 2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s opening series, Chet Holmgren emerged as the driving force behind his team’s strong start. While his teammates contributed to maintaining the momentum and securing the win, the 7-foot center undeniably set the tone in only his second playoff appearance.
Holmgren’s remarkable performance unfolded swiftly, with the rookie single-handedly notching 15 points in the first quarter alone, surpassing the Pelicans’ team total of 22 points. By halftime, the Thunder’s center had amassed a total of 20 points, marking the first time in over a decade that a rookie achieved such a feat in a playoff game’s opening half.
By the game’s conclusion, Holmgren had etched his name into the annals of history with an impressive stat line of 26 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in just 29 minutes of play. His impact extended to both ends of the court, evident in his team-high +32 rating on the box score. Additionally, he secured a unique accolade as the first Thunder rookie to achieve a 25-point and five-rebound performance in postseason play.
This standout performance followed Holmgren’s historic debut in Game 1, where he joined an elite group of NBA players by recording 15+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ blocks. Amongst the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, and Kevin Kunnert, Holmgren solidified his presence on the playoff stage.
As the Oklahoma City Thunder continues their postseason journey, Holmgren is poised to remain a pivotal figure in the team’s success. Despite his rookie status, he has already established himself as the team’s third-best player and will undoubtedly be relied upon heavily in the games to come.
