Chet Holmgren reveals SGA’s role in his comeback game against the Pelicans

OKLAHOMA CITY — After two consecutive home losses, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Oklahoma City The Thunder needed a big performance from Chet Holmgren in a very humble team, while teammates dealing with injuries recover. Holmgren did not disappoint in Tuesday’s 104-95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Chet scored 14 of his 20 points in the third quarter as he came off a six-point first half.

However, for Holmgren, he does everything the Thunder needs during the game will always be a priority through him, he is looking for as many scoring opportunities as possible, as he explained during his availability to the media after the game.

“I’m always going to listen to the game and what our team needs to try to get the most out of the game,” Holmgren said. “Sometimes it’s going to be scoring, sometimes it’s going to be movement, sometimes it’s going to be plays, sometimes it’s going to be whatever. They were targeting Shaia a lot, especially down the stretch. I just tried to get in that pocket and make it four-on-three plays from it.

“Some plays go on the glass, some plays seemed to result. I felt like I got some really good shots out there in the fourth. I didn’t convert on some of them, but I really liked the process. I just have to keep it going — stay aggressive, but not get blindsided while I’m doing it.”

Holmgren finished with 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting, 14 rebounds, five assists and four blocks, while his loaded stat sheet reminded Thunder fans just how productive a starter can be when playing at a high level. Although Holmgren struggled to get his touches in a 103-101 loss to the Indiana Pacers, where he finished with 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting, he’s confident he’ll pick his spots to be the most effective on the Thunder’s offense.

It’s also easy to forget how important Holmgren was defensively. For a team without its starting center in Isaiah Hartenstein and its defensive tackle Jalen Williams, a lot of the pressure on defense has fallen on Holmgren’s shoulders lately. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led five Thunder players in double figures with 29 points.

However, Chet managed an impressive win against the Pelicans, where Holmgren finished with 5+ blocks for the second time in two weeks.

Chet Holmgren on the Minneapolis murders before facing the Timberwolves

Thunder forward Chet Holmgren will return to his hometown of Minneapolis for Thursday’s game against the Timberwolves. On his way out of Oklahoma City, Holmgren reflected on the civil unrest his hometown was going through after two murders by ICE agents.

“It’s obviously a very loaded topic. I don’t want to get into the opinions and the politics of it all, but I definitely just want to send my best wishes to everyone affected,” Holmgren said. “I have a lot of friends, family, neighbors, especially close ones in that area. My parents’ house is three blocks from where the last incident happened. I know that area well. My sisters would always get donuts from the donut shop on that street.

“My grandfather’s favorite Greek restaurant is on that street. Everything is very close. So when you see that happen, it definitely takes you back. You never want to see anything like that. I definitely think we’re too advanced as a species — plain and simple — for that kind of thing to happen. No matter what your opinions or beliefs are. You should agree that no one should agree with the street.”

The Thunder will face the Timberwolves on Thursday and then the Nuggets on the road on Sunday.