Chet Holmgren praises OKC’s defense after the win against the Trail Blazers
Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder he held Portland Trail Blazers to 41 points in the second half, cruising to a 124-95 victory at the Pike Center. After Holmgren found that opposing teams defend him differentlyhad a season-high six blocks against the Trail Blazers.
After the game, Holmgren discussed how the Thunder are doing tightened the defense after halftime.
“Playing as a unit on that end of the floor, we’re just connected. We’re all flying around. When you do that, you can really speed up teams,” Holmgren said. “But at the same time, you have to be ready to move quickly as well as help each other out because you’re going to give up the lead. When that happens, you just have to be able to cover each other multiple times.”
Holmgren finished with 12 blocks in his previous three outings, all wins, after The Thunder lost to the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day. Oklahoma City’s win against the Trail Blazers ends a four-game homestand at the Pike Center.
Chet Holmgren talks about opposing teams’ defense against the Thunder
Thunder forward Chet Holmgren feels the difference in how opposing teams defend him versus how his teammates defend him. After a win against the Hawks that came down to the wire, Holmgren reflected on how he was forced to adapt to opposing defensive schemes.
“Every single game is different, it really is. I feel like I’m guarded (differently) more than anybody else on the team, just depending on the other team’s personnel, how they want to plan things,” Holmgren said. “But I think it’s beautiful.
“Take what the defense gives me, be aggressive and just try to get my stuff into the game — some nights it’s going to be over my right shoulder, some nights it’s going to be over my left shoulder. I just have to be efficient and quick to get my stuff.”
The Thunder will face the Warriors on the road on Friday.
2026-01-01 21:56:00
