Chet Holmgren's Play Elevates Him into NBA's Elite Conversation

Key facts

• Chet Holmgren is averaging 18.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.2 blocks in the current postseason.
• He is shooting 57.4% from the floor and 45.0% from three-point range in the playoffs.
• In a recent game against the Lakers, Holmgren held opponents to 2 points on 1-of-9 shooting when he was the primary contesting defender.
• Holmgren scored a team-high 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
• The Thunder were plus-9 with an offensive efficiency rating of 133.3 in non-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander minutes during Game 1.
• Holmgren had averages of 17.1 points and 1.9 blocks on 36.2% shooting in the 2025-26 season.

A New Contender for NBA's 'Alien' Title

Victor Wembanyama has long been considered the NBA's singular 'alien' for his towering frame and all-around dominance. However, Oklahoma City Thunder's Chet Holmgren is increasingly making a case for inclusion in that rarefied conversation. The 7-foot-1 big man is showcasing an extraordinary level of play, particularly in the current postseason, reminding observers that he too possesses extraterrestrial abilities on the court. Even before the playoffs commenced, Holmgren had established a strong resume. His elite two-way capabilities were evident in the 2025-26 season, where he averaged 17.1 points and 1.9 blocks, complemented by an All-Star selection and an NBA Championship. This season, however, a healthy Holmgren appears to have ascended to an entirely new echelon of performance. His current playoff statistics paint a picture of a player operating at peak efficiency. Through five games, Holmgren is posting sensational averages of 18.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.2 blocks. His shooting efficiency has also reached remarkable heights, with a 57.4% field goal percentage and an impressive 45.0% from beyond the arc.

Dominance in Playoff Semifinals Opener

In the Thunder's recent blowout victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals opener, Holmgren's defensive prowess was particularly striking. He held Lakers players to a mere two points on 1-of-9 shooting when he was the primary contesting defender. To put this into perspective, Holmgren recorded more blocks in that game—three—than the Lakers scored points under his direct defensive pressure. This defensive masterclass was part of a broader performance that saw him lead the Thunder with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks. He also contributed with two three-pointers and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. This all-around contribution underscores his value to the Thunder's success. The game's outcome, a resounding 108-90 win for the Thunder, highlighted Holmgren's impact. His ability to consistently produce at such a high level is directly translating into unparalleled success for his team, positioning the Thunder as formidable contenders.

Lakers' Defensive Strategy Undone

The Lakers entered their Western Conference Semifinals matchup with a clear, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, defensive strategy. Their plan was to aggressively target and disrupt Oklahoma City's star guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, through a barrage of blitzing, trapping, and hedging. The intention was to force other Thunder players to beat them, effectively choking off the offense's primary source of oxygen. While the Lakers focused their intense defensive pressure on Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren expertly navigated through the defensive cracks. He capitalized on the attention paid to his backcourt mate, finding open looks and exploiting defensive lapses. This allowed him to continue his scoring and rebounding onslaught, even as the Lakers' primary focus remained elsewhere. Lakers' head coach J.J. Redick acknowledged the defensive breakdown, noting, "We got back in transition, we matched up, and then all of a sudden we walked away from him and he got a wide open dunk. That is not something we want to do in Game 2." This admission points to the challenge of defending the Thunder's multifaceted attack, where cutting off one threat can inadvertently create opportunities for another.

The 'Holmgren Problem' Beyond SGA

The Lakers' defensive scheme, designed to neutralize Gilgeous-Alexander, inadvertently created the 'Holmgren problem.' When the Lakers' bigs would aggressively hedge or trap the reigning MVP, Holmgren often found himself with wide-open opportunities. This was particularly effective when the Thunder's centers, such as DeAndre Ayton and Jaxon Hayes, were able to force Gilgeous-Alexander into difficult passes, but sometimes the MVP was quicker and found Holmgren for an easy score. Furthermore, Holmgren's impact extends beyond the minutes when Gilgeous-Alexander is on the floor. When the MVP sits, the Thunder's offense does not falter; it continues to flow with Holmgren at the forefront. In Game 1, the Thunder maintained a plus-9 advantage and an impressive offensive efficiency rating of 133.3 during these non-SGA minutes, demonstrating their offensive resilience. Redick recognized this critical aspect of the game, stating, "We have to be better when Shai is not on the floor. They play a very specific way when he is not on the floor… we need to be even if not win those minutes." Winning these stretches, rather than losing them by nine points as they did in Game 1, may indeed represent the Lakers' only viable path to upsetting the Thunder in the series.

Holmgren's Ascendancy and Future Implications

Chet Holmgren's current playoff performance solidifies his status as one of the league's most promising young talents. His ability to dominate on both ends of the court, coupled with his efficiency and impact even when the team's primary star is off the floor, makes him a uniquely valuable player. His emergence challenges the established narrative around the league's top young big men, directly competing with the attention garnered by players like Victor Wembanyama. Holmgren's consistent production and his team's success suggest he is more than deserving of recognition in any discussion of the league's best multi-faceted big men. As the series progresses, the Lakers will need to find a more effective strategy to contain Holmgren, particularly during the crucial minutes when Gilgeous-Alexander is off the court. Failure to do so could mean a swift end to their playoff aspirations and further cement Holmgren's place among the NBA's elite.

The bottom line

• Chet Holmgren is demonstrating elite, two-way impact in the NBA playoffs, averaging nearly 19 points, 9 rebounds, and over 2 blocks.
• His shooting efficiency from both the field (57.4%) and three-point range (45.0%) is among the league's best for big men.
• Holmgren's defensive presence significantly limits opposing team's scoring when he is the primary defender.
• The Oklahoma City Thunder maintain strong offensive production even when star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is off the court, largely due to Holmgren's capabilities.
• The Lakers' defensive strategy against Gilgeous-Alexander inadvertently created opportunities for Holmgren, highlighting a key challenge for Los Angeles in the series.
• Holmgren's performance is positioning him as a top contender in discussions about the league's best young, versatile big men.