Chet Holmgren made his highly anticipated return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup on Friday night, playing for the first time since suffering a right hip fracture on November 10, 2024. This return came after nearly three months of rehabilitation, during which the Thunder had managed to maintain impressive performance, entering the game against the Toronto Raptors with a staggering record of 40 wins and just 9 losses.
Fans inside Paycom Center erupted with cheers as Holmgren, the versatile 7-foot-1 star and second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, was the first player announced before the game. His presence was not just ceremonial; Holmgren significantly contributed to the Thunder's dominating win, finalizing the night with 4 points, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 steals within 22 minutes of gameplay.
The Thunder started strong, outscoring the Raptors 121 to 109, showcasing their depth and talent. Jalen Williams led the charge with an impressive 27 points, followed closely by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who added 25. Isaiah Hartenstein, who joined Holmgren as part of the Thunder's frontcourt for this matchup, showcased his skills alongside Holmgren for the first time, having previously been sidelined for much of Holmgren's initial absence.
During the first quarter, Holmgren made his mark early. Just over two minutes after tip-off, he scored his first basket—a second-chance layup. Shortly after, he assisted Hartenstein's floater and even recorded multiple defensive stats, highlighting his presence on both ends of the court. His performance underscored the anticipation surrounding his much-anticipated return.
Despite concerns about how well the team would perform upon Holmgren's return, the Thunder did not falter. Oklahoma City's first quarter ended with a commanding 35-25 lead, with players like Williams contributing significant offensive plays, including pull-up jumpers and alley-oop dunks facilitated by Gilgeous-Alexander.
Head coach Mark Daigneault praised Holmgren’s impact during the game, stating, "Chet received loud cheers when he was announced. His presence really boosted the team's energy and focus." Holmgren's contribution helps signify not just his importance as a player, but also what he means to the team dynamics as the Thunder gear up for the playoffs.
Throughout the game, Holmgren showed the versatility and skill set the Thunder miss when he's off the court. He demonstrated incredible shot-blocking ability as he registered four blocks against opposing players vying for rebounds or shots near the rim. Holmgren’s length and athleticism played disruptive roles for the Raptors, with several attempts thwarted thanks to his defensive prowess.
Meanwhile, the Raptors struggled throughout the game, missing several key players due to injuries. Toronto's leading scorer, RJ Barrett, was absent as he remains protocol-bound for concussion, and newly acquired Brandon Ingram did not participate either. This created additional challenges for the Raptors, who fell behind early and struggled to maintain consistency.
Holmgren's offensive rhythm started to show strides of improvement, with shooting long two-pointers and finding opportunities from inside the arc. Despite not sinking any of his two attempts from beyond the three-point line, colleagues facilitated his involvement, bringing him back to game speed effectively.
His first game back from injury lead to discussions among fans and analysts alike, showcasing how Holmgren and the Thunder are poised for greater success. Holmgren's return is expected to lift the team's morale and productivity as they work toward solidifying their playoff position as the NBA season progresses.
Following the game, Oklahoma City's coach noted, "This was just the beginning for Chet. We are excited about having him contribute to our ambitions this season." The Thunder have now improved to 41-9 and have shifted their eyes toward their next matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, continuing their quest for dominance within the Western Conference.
Looking forward, Holmgren's ability to stay healthy will be under the spotlight, with fans and coaches hoping he can maintain the momentum gained from this return. The young star's unique skill set and towering presence on the court will be instrumental as the Thunder maintain their edge, pushing toward potential playoff glory.