Isaiah Hartenstein’s reveals Chet Holmgren’s biggest area of ​​growth

Four games in the 2025-26 regular season. Isaiah Hartenstein knows that Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet HolmgrenProduction is a big reason why the defending champions are undefeated so far. In front Holmgren’s first night off due to back pain amid the campaign’s first back-to-back campaign, Hartenstein identified a specific growth he saw in Chat.

Hartenstein revealed that he got a close look at Holmgren gains during the offseasonas we all see the fruits of Chet’s labor during his first four games of the regular season.

“His confidence, but also just playing through contact. I think that’s where he’s been a lot better,” Hartenstein said. “I’ve been with him all summer, I’ve seen the work he’s put in with Drew Henlen, and you’re just seeing it now. You see this confidence. You see what he’s done for our team, and he’s also healthy. I think those two big keys — his confidence and being healthy — he’s one of the greatest in the league.”

Holmgren was outstanding out of the gate, averaging 23.0 points on 56.9% shooting, including 41.7% from deep, 10.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks. Chet steps up for an outstanding campaign. Perhaps his breakout year, as all signs point from his championship run during the playoffs last year to his remarkable start to the regular season amid the recovery of All-Star Jalen Williams.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will go a perfect 5-0 in Holmgren’s absence when they host the Sacramento Kings at the Pike Center on Tuesday.

Chet Holmgren has been ruled out for the Thunder’s game against the Kings

After Thunder forward Chet Holmgren dislocated his thumb against the Hawksentered Monday’s game listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of the showdown with the Mavericks. Holmgren was cleared to play hours before tip-off, leading most to believe he would likely take the night off for the second night of back-to-back games. Holmgren also welcomed Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg to an NBA moment when he dunked on him in the second half.

In a 101-94 win against the Mavericks, he finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks and two assists. He also drained a pair of 3-pointers, as Holmgren is now 10 of 24 (42.1%) from behind the three-point arc.