Chet Holmgren Stuns NBA With Historic Stat Line—Thunder’s 7-Foot Phenom Goes Viral

Chet Holmgren Ready for Critical Game 4 as Thunder Seek Control in Western Conference Finals HOMETOWN SPOTLIGHT The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 7-foot-1 phenom, Chet Holmgren, is back in Minneapolis for the second straight game of the Western Conference Finals, playing just a few miles from where he starred at Minnehaha Academy. The Twin Cities native heard a mix of cheers and jeers in Game 3, but the energy in Target Center is fueling his competitive edge as OKC aims to reclaim momentum on Tuesday night. SERIES SNAPSHOT • Thunder lead Timberwolves 2-1 after suffering a 143-101 drubbing in Game 3. • Holmgren finished that contest with 10 points on 3-of-7 shooting, adding five rebounds and two assists, numbers he immediately labeled “unacceptable” in post-game comments. • The rookie is averaging 16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks through 15 playoff games—production that has kept him in the national spotlight. CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH Thunder fans exhaled Monday when the official injury report showed Holmgren was not listed, clearing him for full minutes in Game 4. After foot surgery erased his entire 2022-23 campaign, durability questions lingered; his availability tonight underscores how far he has come in year one. KEY MATCHUPS TO WATCH • Interior Battle: Holmgren’s length versus Rudy Gobert’s strength determines rim protection on both ends. • Transition Pace: OKC is +12.5 net rating this postseason when Holmgren runs the floor with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. • Foul Trouble: In Games 1 and 2, Holmgren committed just five fouls total; he picked up four in 19 minutes during Game 3. Staying on the court is paramount. QUOTEBOARD “Being home is special, but winning is everything,” Holmgren said after Sunday’s practice, vowing a “different level of physicality” for Game 4. WHAT’S AT STAKE A Thunder victory would create a commanding 3-1 edge with the series shifting back to Oklahoma City. A Timberwolves win evens the series and hands momentum to Anthony Edwards and company. All eyes turn to Holmgren—Minneapolis’ own—to see if his breakout postseason continues under the brightest lights yet.