Chet Holmgren reacts to a career milestone in the win against the Nuggets

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren capped the night of his career by helping his team to a 127-121 overtime victory against All-Star Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. After Lou Dort was kicked out for flagrante-2 against Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did not return for overtime. Holmgren finished with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, a career-high 21 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal against the Nuggets.

After his first All-Star appearance, Chet Holmgren won a a career-high 21 rebounds is a testament to the work he’s put in behind the scenes as he continues to grow in just his fourth season with the Thunder.

“I try to put a lot into my body, making sure I keep getting stronger every time. Keep staying as healthy as I can. Take care of yourself,” Holmgren said. “I definitely think it’s paid off and I’ve gotten better in a lot of different areas, but I think I still have a long way to go with my body; with my game. I don’t want to let one night get me too excited. I’ve got work to do.”

Chet Holmgren on his career-high 21 jumps: “I try to put a lot into my body, making sure I get stronger every time. Keep being as healthy as I can. Take care of yourself.

I definitely think it’s paid off and I’ve gotten better at a lot of different… pic.twitter.com/hsvOB6tE12

— Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 36 points, nine assists, two blocks and two steals in his first appearance in nine games for the Thunder. Oklahoma City improved to 46-15.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes a blunt move on a missed OT in the Thunder’s win

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t hold back his feelings about missing overtime during Friday’s showdown against fellow MVP candidate Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. After leading the Thunder to erase a 16-point deficit in the second half, Gilgeous-Alexander was forced to miss the rest of the game. He came up to the minutes scheduled for his first game since suffering from an abdominal strain.

That didn’t make the process any easier, though, as Gilgeous-Alexander cheered the Thunder on against the Nuggets from the bench during the game’s final period.

“I hate it. I can’t wait until the minutes limit is over,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But if I hurt this injury again, none of that will matter. So that’s kind of how I see it.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will face the Mavericks on Sunday.