The Oklahoma City Thunder have a crucial game on Monday night as they host the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Oklahoma City was able to tie the series with their victory in Game 4 on Friday night after they made a comeback in the fourth quarter.
Now the Thunder will look to take command of the series with a victory on their home court on Monday night as they try to grab a 3-2 series lead.
Of course, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the way for the Thunder thus far in the NBA Finals as he has continued his dominant season that saw him win both the regular season and Western Conference Finals MVP award.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam passes the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren defends during Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2025.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam passes the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren defends during Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2025.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
While Shai has been great during the Finals, Chet Holmgren has also come up big for the Thunder, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Holmgren has the third most blocked shots of anyone 23 years old in NBA playoff history with 60 and he only trails Kobe Bryant (64) and Thunder legend Serge Ibaka (123).
After this statistic was shared on X, Ibaka had a three-word reaction to both he and Holmgren’s key playoff stat.
“This is wild,” Ibaka posted on X.
Holmgren has turned into one of the best shot blockers in the NBA, which the Thunder are used too, especially during Ibaka’s seven seasons with the franchise.
Of course, Holmgren may not be on Ibaka’s level of elite rim protection right now, but as he continues to develop and improve his game, he could end up doing so.
Serge Ibaka
Jun 06, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) reacts after scoring against the San Antonio Spurs during game six of the Western Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Despite this, he still has a long way to go to catch Ibaka’s record for most blocks by a 23-year-old in NBA playoff history as Ibaka dominated on the defensive side during his time in the NBA, especially in Oklahoma City.
Holmgren will look to add to his number on Monday night in Game 5 as the Thunder look to take control of the series.