Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shared the spotlight on the podium, acknowledging that Jalen Williams was just as deserving of the Finals MVP accolade as he was. Their partnership has cemented its place in NBA lore, an enduring duo destined to be remembered together. But while the focus was on these two stars, a towering figure loomed large in the background – Chet Holmgren, the unsung hero who was vital in the Thunder’s championship triumph.
Holmgren, a 7-footer with the finesse of a guard, made history as the first player to notch five blocks in a decisive Game 7 of the NBA Finals. In a fourth-quarter display of defensive brilliance, he denied three shots, including a crucial layup attempt from T.J. McConnell. His ability to switch onto smaller players and patrol the perimeter with such agility gave the Thunder a defensive edge that few teams could boast.
The term “unicorn” is often tossed around in the NBA, but Holmgren genuinely embodies this mystical moniker. His defensive versatility – able to guard all five positions – is a luxury that Thunder coach Mark Daigneault maximized, allowing him to deploy Isaiah Hartenstein strategically in Games 6 and 7. Holmgren’s presence meant the team could rely on him as the defensive anchor.
Throughout the Finals, Holmgren stacked up an impressive stat line with 11 blocks and four steals, punctuated by a team-best plus-minus of 4.9. Notably, he’s the youngest player since Tim Duncan to rack up double-digit blocks in the Finals, illustrating his historic impact on the series.
Attention was riveted on the Holmgren versus Myles Turner matchup at the start of the series, a confrontation Holmgren dominated by holding Turner to a paltry 8-of-30 shooting performance through seven games. Holmgren’s defensive prowess was also evident in his matchups with other Pacers players: Aaron Nesmith was limited to 2-of-10, McConnell to 2-of-9, Bennedict Mathurin managed just 4-of-12, and Obi Toppin was held to 5-of-13 under Holmgren’s watch. Even Pacers All-Star Pascal Siakam struggled, shooting 9-of-22 against Holmgren’s long reach.
As the Thunder look to build a dynasty, Holmgren’s role will be as pivotal as that of SGA and Williams. His two-way talent and the promise of becoming a sharpshooter from beyond the arc make him the quintessential modern big man. Holmgren is a rare gem in today’s game, combining size, skill, and versatility – a player not to be taken for granted.
