Chet Holmgren makes history with the Madmen a perfect night against the Warriors

OKLAHOMA CITY — Cons Golden State Warriors, Chet Holmgren23 points on a perfect 9-for-9 shot helped Oklahoma City Thunder secured his 11th win of the regular season, improving to 11-1 as the defending champion. In the midst of the Thunder’s best start in franchise historyHolmgren’s perfect performance against the Warriors was the kind of individual performance the franchise has never seen before.

Holmgren’s 23 points on 9-of-9 shooting and 11 rebounds made him the first Thunder player to record perfect game 20/10 without a miss against the Warriors.

Holmgren continues to play at a high level this season, averaging 19.1 points on 54.9% shooting, 8.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals. It’s the kind of production from the defending champs playing without All-Star Jalen Williams that has helped the Thunder reclaim their throne as the NBA’s best defense 12 games into the 2025-26 campaign.

Isaiah Hartenstein on the Thunder’s growth of Chet Holmgren

Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein saw progress in Chet Holmgren during training camp and the preseason before being talked about during the first week of the regular season. While injuries to Holmgren and Hartenstein cut their combined regular season games to 20 in 2024-25, the two big men are building continuity on both ends of the floor.

The Thunder’s 7-foot tandem protects the rim on one end of the floor while finding their offensive rhythm on the other, leading to a 20+ point double-double, including Hartenstein’s career night on the road, and the Thunder victory.

Hartenstein reflected on what he saw in Holmgren earlier this 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 combined for 34 points on 17-of-23 shooting, including 3-of-6 from deep, 18 rebounds and four assists over the last two games. At the same time, Hartenstein, after a record 33 points and 19 rebounds against the Kings, scored a total of 26 points on 12-of-16 shooting, 20 rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

For the second night of back-to-back home games, the Thunder host the Lakers on Wednesday.