The Celtics had their fair share of third-quarter struggles earlier in the season, but recent performances suggested they were putting those challenges behind them. Over the last seven games leading up to Tuesday’s matchup, they were averaging an impressive 36.6 points in the third quarter and outscoring their opponents by an average of 10.5 points. It seemed like the team had successfully turned a corner and found a more formidable rhythm in the crucial third period of the game.
Oklahoma City brought the Celtics‘ recent third-quarter prowess to a halt with a commanding performance, outscoring Boston 40-25 in that crucial period. The Celtics struggled to find their offensive rhythm, missing several lay-ups, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lit up the scoreboard with an explosive 16-point display. This standout third-quarter effort by OKC ultimately proved to be the deciding factor in a game that was otherwise closely contested throughout.
Elite Battle: Could This Meeting Signal a Finals Face-Off?
The Thunder’s triumph over the Celtics served as another powerful statement in a series of impressive victories this season. Prior to their win against Boston, they secured two victories over the Nuggets in Denver, dominated the first-place Minnesota Timberwolves, and blew out the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite still having a significant portion of the season ahead, the evidence so far strongly suggests that OKC is a legitimate contender.
MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads a talented starting lineup featuring emerging players like Josh Giddey (23 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists), Chet Holmgren (14 points, 4 blocks), and Jalen Williams (16 points, 3 steals). While they may benefit from another piece to complete the puzzle, the Thunder have undeniably proven that their impressive start to the season is no fluke.
Chet Holmgren’s Progress Report: Examining the Prowess on Display
Chet Holmgren has undoubtedly made a strong case for NBA Rookie of the Year if the vote were held today. After a third of the season, he’s been a standout performer, averaging 17.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Impressively, he’s connecting on 40% of his 4.2 three-point attempts per game, showcasing his versatility. Defensively, Holmgren is making a significant impact with 2.7 blocks per night, playing a key role in anchoring the Oklahoma City defense and contributing to the team’s impressive 22-9 record.
Despite these accomplishments, when asked about his achievements so far, Holmgren’s response, as reported by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, reflects a humble perspective, suggesting that there’s more work to be done. It’s the kind of response every fan and coach hopes for from a player, emphasizing a relentless pursuit of improvement and team success.
In the real world, Chet Holmgren has achieved pretty much everything he and the Thunder could have wished for in the first 31 games of the season. Stepping into a scenario where he shares the court with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren embraced a clearly defined role — a luxury not afforded to all rookies, like the highly touted Victor Wembanyama. Holmgren’s responsibilities include setting picks, stretching the floor out to the arc, executing strong rolls to the rim, serving as a defensive rim protector, and hustling hard in transition. His seamless integration into the team’s strategy has undoubtedly contributed to the Thunder’s success so far.
Holmgren deserves immense credit for not only embracing but excelling in the role assigned to him. He’s been that vital piece of the puzzle for OKC, contributing in ways that elevate the team’s performance and position them as a legitimate playoff threat this season. Beyond the immediate impact, his contributions suggest a bright future for the Thunder, positioning them as potential contenders for years to come. It’s only fair that he receives all the praise coming his way, recognizing the pivotal role he plays in the team’s success.