Chet Holmgren's ascent back to form was palpable as he took the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 23, 2025. The Oklahoma City Thunder, motivated to avenge their previous 116-101 loss to the Wolves, set their eyes on solidifying their top position as they headed down the final stretch of the regular NBA season.
After their All-Star break, the Thunder showcased improved health, with Holmgren being one of the key players. Previously, during their last game against the Timberwolves just before the All-Star break, Holmgren struggled after returning from injury. He only managed 11 points on seven attempts, appearing rusty and tentative; the absence of genuine scoring support for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was glaring then. Oklahoma City sensed they were missing another shot creator to balance the offensive load post-Gilgeous-Alexander.
Fast forward to Sunday, and Holmgren's aggressive start was evident right from the jump, as he racked up 10 points within the first quarter alone, fueling the Thunder to an early 35-23 lead. His performance marked significant progress since his return to the lineup after nearly three months sidelined due to injury.
Despite Holmgren's electric start, the Timberwolves were undeterred. They completed a dominant 30-9 run to close the first half, recovering from their sluggish start and showcasing their notorious resilience. Minnesota outscored Oklahoma City 40-26 during the second quarter, flipping the momentum and giving themselves the edge heading to the locker room.
Holmgren's performance was underscored by the intensity on both ends of the court. His agility and scoring versatility posed challenges for the Timberwolves' defense, particularly with Rudy Gobert absent from the lineup. Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor and sink three-pointers could have caused serious problems for the Timberwolves as they were allowing 37.6% of three-point attempts to be converted against them over the last three games.
Encouraged by his previous game against the Utah Jazz, where he put up 20 points on 46.7% shooting, Holmgren expressed confidence, sharing, "I feel really good. I understand I have a long way to go." This statement effectively encapsulated the determined mindset he was embodying as he embraced both the challenges and opportunities present on the court. Holmgren understands he needs to perform at high levels to maximize his impact on the game considerably.
Throughout the contest, Holmgren's importance to the Thunder remained clear. His abilities not only scores but also disrupts opposing players' flow contributed to the overall performance of the team. His teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander needs such support to thrive consistently, and Holmgren serves as the missing piece to create the potent offensive punch they lacked earlier.
Reflecting on his readiness to contribute, Holmgren shared, "I didn’t play 50 games, so I didn’t feel like I needed to use all those days for rest." His commitment highlights the pressure he feels to not only recover but also to excel, showcasing his dedication to self-improvement and the team's success moving forward.
Alongside fellow Thunder players like Jalen Williams, who had been growing steadily as another offensive option, the team looked poised to become more dangerous as they entered the final home stretch of games. Following the All-Star break, Holmgren arrived at the opportunity to play his hometown team again, which accentuated his motivation and increase his intensity during the game.
"Every single day, we’re getting farther away from being kids," Holmgren remarked, acknowledging team growth transcending beyond basketball, hinting at the evolution all players undergo during the season. This perspective enriches his character and relevance to this young Thunder team, which aims for playoff success.
Approaching the playoffs, the Thunder, now atop the Western Conference with impressive records, envision not just playoff appearances but aspirations of championship contention. With Holmgren finding stability within the lineup and asserting himself consistently, Oklahoma City’s opportunities significantly expand. The Thunder's lineup resonates with youthful promise, focusing on collective growth, potent shooting, and strengthening team dynamics, with Holmgren positioned as one of the pivotal figures driving them forward.
Overall, Holmgren’s promising performance against the Timberwolves signals his readiness to embrace the season's challenges as he plays his part to maintain Oklahoma City’s elite status within the Western Conference.