For six minutes, the reason the Thunder felt compelled to invest significantly in Isaiah Hartenstein this summer became clear, as did the impact of his season-opening absence due to a fractured bone in his left hand. This injury appeared particularly detrimental for Oklahoma City in their matchup against the Denver Nuggets, a team with which they fiercely competed for the Western Conference’s top seed last season.
It’s hardly surprising when Nikola Jokić effortlessly secures what he wants at will; that’s essentially what three-time Most Valuable Players do. However, during the early moments of Thursday’s game, as he casually navigated through the visiting Thunder — registering six points, three assists, two rebounds, a block, and a steal within the first half of the first quarter — it was evident just how limited Oklahoma City’s established framework was.
Relying on the exceptionally skilled Chet Holmgren as the permanent center brings numerous advantages to a Thunder offense aiming to operate in a five-out format as often as possible. Yet, entrusting a 7-foot-1 slender athlete to handle, box out, and contend with a robust and aggressive force like Jokić alone — instead of collaborating with another, more physically imposing 7-footer like Hartenstein in the Length on the Ball with More Length Behind strategy that the Timberwolves effectively employed during the 2024 playoffs — seemed destined to result in being dominated in the paint, conceding offensive rebounds, and struggling to contain a crushing Denver offense.
As the game progressed, it became increasingly evident that, despite appearances, bamboo’s strength is surprisingly formidable.
Stan Van Gundy, the TNT color commentator, reiterated this observation multiple times during the broadcast, a testament to its importance: In a contest featuring the top two finishers from the 2023-24 MVP voting — Jokić as the winner and runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — it was Holmgren, just embarking on his second season, who frequently emerged as the standout performer on the court. After a rocky start, Holmgren excelled, concluding the night with 25 points, a career-high-tying 14 rebounds, and five assists across 36 minutes in a 102-87 victory for the Thunder — an impressive and decisive display that felt more commanding than the final score indicated for much of the second half.
The 22-year-old overcame Jokić’s initial dominance, committing himself to establishing position early — attempting to lower his body and push the larger player away from the basket, thus ensuring he received the ball further from the rim, and …
Holmgren battled fiercely to disrupt entry passes into the post, determined to prevent Jokić from receiving an easy catch. He skillfully managed shoulder checks, demonstrating impressive core strength that allowed him to maintain balance and utilize his remarkable 7-foot-6 wingspan to affect shots high up, despite giving up a step:
Throughout the night, Holmgren was primarily matched up against Jokić while also serving as the last line of defense. With significant assistance from the Thunder’s group of elite point-of-attack defenders, he showcased dominance. He secured 10 defensive rebounds and tipped out a few others, several of which kept Denver to just one shot during the 18-2 third-quarter run that helped OKC seize control of the game. He concluded with a game-high 11 contested shots and two deflections, complemented by four blocks and two steals. When Holmgren defended shooters, Denver managed only 6-for-18, including a 5-for-11 mark (45.5%) at the rim, according to Second Spectrum.
On the offensive end, Holmgren made his presence known as well, capitalizing on the threat his shooting presented—though he missed all five of his 3-pointers on Thursday, which was admittedly his sole area of underperformance during the opener—and leveraging his quickness to exploit closeouts for mid-range pull-ups. He rolled decisively to the basket from the pick-and-roll, using his length and touch to finish despite contact.
He kept Oklahoma City’s drive-and-kick offense in motion, facing up and applying downhill pressure to attract defensive help before distributing the ball to teammates. He tallied five assists, a figure he only exceeded five times in his rookie season. Whenever he gained a step on Jokić following a Thunder possession, he sprinted down the court.
particularly painful for Nikola — and sprinted hard straight to the rim, sometimes with explosive results:
With only one “true” big available as Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams were sidelined due to injuries, Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault effectively aligned Holmgren’s minutes with those of Jokić, particularly during the periods when the Nuggets’ offense has historically demonstrated its most overwhelming force. During Holmgren’s minutes, the Thunder allowed an astonishingly low 93.4 points per 100 possessions — significantly below the top-five offensive mark the Nuggets achieved last season — and outscored Denver by 14.7 points per 100 during that stretch.
On the road. At altitude. Without the player they brought in, in part, for this very matchup.
Holmgren’s introduction last season injected a nitrous-oxide boost into the Thunder’s ascension within the Western Conference rankings, partly because his presence on the perimeter opened the floor for the elusive and lethal Gilgeous-Alexander — who, in case you’re curious, remains undeniably formidable:
However, what made Holmgren’s performance on Thursday particularly thrilling was his confident leadership in making the Nuggets feel the tension of half-court congestion — emboldening players like Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace to intensify the pressure on the Nuggets’ scorers; it also raised doubts regarding this version of the Nuggets’ capability to compete with the best in the West given their lack of outside shooting (just 7-for-38 from beyond the arc); and how, at least for one night, it neutralized what has been the most consistently overpowering offensive force in the NBA over the past five years.
“He was relentless tonight,” stated Gilgeous-Alexander regarding Holmgren after the game.
In today’s NBA, a significant part of success is contingent upon creating space and eliminating it. A version of Holmgren that can create and eliminate space this effectively, this relentlessly, against this caliber of opponent can enable Oklahoma City not only to remain steady while Hartenstein recovers, but also to cultivate confidence in aspiring toward the grandest aspirations the sport has to offer — All-Star selections, All-NBA honors, and NBA championships.
That may seem quite distant in October, following the first of 82 games. Fortunately, a 7-foot-6 wingspan can reach remarkably, really far.
Holmgren Shines as Thunder Overcome Nuggets, Showcasing Depth Amid Hartenstein’s Absence
Overview of the Game
The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered an impressive performance against the Denver Nuggets, defeating them 115-105. The game showcased the Thunder’s depth and resilience, especially in the absence of their key player, Isaiah Hartenstein. Center Chet Holmgren emerged as a standout performer, demonstrating his skills and filling the void left by Hartenstein effectively.
Chet Holmgren: The Rising Star
Chet Holmgren, the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has been a revelation for the Thunder this season. His performance against the Nuggets highlighted several aspects of his game:
- Scoring Ability: Holmgren scored 27 points, showcasing his versatility as a scorer both inside and outside the paint.
- Defensive Prowess: He recorded 3 blocks and 2 steals, demonstrating his capability to protect the rim and disrupt opposing offenses.
- Rebounding Skills: With 10 rebounds, Holmgren contributed significantly on the boards, helping the Thunder maintain control of the game.
Statistical Breakdown
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chet Holmgren | 27 | 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 25 | 4 | 7 | 0 |
| Josh Giddey | 18 | 8 | 5 | 0 |
Thunder’s Depth Without Hartenstein
Isaiah Hartenstein’s absence due to injury leaves a significant gap in the Thunder’s lineup, particularly in the frontcourt. However, the team’s depth came into play, allowing them to overcome this challenge. Here are key contributors who stepped up:
- Jalen Williams: Williams provided 16 points and added energy off the bench, showing he can be a reliable scorer.
- Darius Bazley: With his defensive tenacity and ability to stretch the floor, Bazley scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
- Lu Dort: Known for his defensive skills, Dort also contributed offensively with 14 points.
The Importance of Team Chemistry
The Thunder’s ability to perform well in Hartenstein’s absence highlights their strong team chemistry. The players have developed a good understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to adapt quickly on the court. This adaptability is crucial for success in the NBA, especially during the regular season.
Benefits of a Deep Roster
Having a deep roster, like the Thunder, offers several advantages:
- Injury Management: Teams can better manage player injuries and fatigue, ensuring that they remain competitive throughout the season.
- Increased Competition for Roles: Depth creates competition within the team, pushing players to improve their performance in practice and games.
- Strategic Flexibility: Coaches can employ different lineups and strategies based on matchups, providing an edge against opponents.
Practical Tips for Building Team Depth
For teams looking to enhance their depth, here are some practical tips:
- Focus on Player Development: Invest in coaching staff that emphasizes skill development for younger players.
- Utilize G-League Affiliates: Make use of the G-League to give young players exposure and experience.
- Encourage Versatility: Encourage players to develop skills in multiple positions, allowing for more strategic options during games.
Case Studies from the NBA
Several teams in the NBA have successfully utilized depth to their advantage:
- Golden State Warriors: The Warriors have consistently showcased depth through their bench players, allowing them to maintain a high level of performance during the regular season and playoffs.
- Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks have a strong second unit that can provide offensive and defensive support, contributing to their recent success.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Thunder Players
After the game, several Thunder players shared their thoughts on how the team adapted in Hartenstein’s absence:
- Chet Holmgren: “We know we have to step up when someone goes down. Everyone contributed, and that’s what makes us a strong team.”
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “Our chemistry is key. We trust each other, and that makes it easier to fill in the gaps.”
Final Thoughts on Thunder’s Performance
The Thunder’s victory against the Nuggets is a testament to their depth and the rising talent of Chet Holmgren. As they continue the season, their ability to adapt and overcome challenges will be crucial in their pursuit of playoff success. With a solid roster and promising young stars, the Thunder are a team to watch in the upcoming games.
