Chet Holmgren was an impact player in Game 5 as the Oklahoma City Thunder took down the Denver Nuggets.
The 7-footer had an incredible start to the 2024-25 NBA season, though missing months with a brutal hip injury derailed his production.
He's finding his stride as an impact player in the playoffs, however, having lifted the loaded Thunder team over the edge as he was a plus-13 in the box score, scoring 14 points and adding eight rebounds and two blocks.
The NBA Playoffs have completely delivered to this point, and the Thunder and Nuggets being neck-and-neck has only helped.
Nikola Jokic, in particular, was brilliant on Wednesday night, though. The Serbian superstar led the Nuggets with 44 points and 15 rebounds on 17-of-25 shooting.
The two sides have been in a chess match through five games, with the Thunder capturing two straight victories to take a 3-2 series lead.
Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) checks on forward Chet Holmgren (7) during a game against the Nuggets.
Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) checks on forward Chet Holmgren (7) during a game against the Nuggets.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Heading back to Denver for Game 6, the Thunder has the ability to close out the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals.
Holmgren sends clear Nuggets message after Game 5 win
Holmgren understands that it will be no easy feat, however.
“I expect nothing less than what it is. It’s a closeout game in Denver against a really good team. We have to lock in," Holmgren said after Game 5.
OKC should know first-hand how a home crowd can impact an environment, and, in turn, a game.
Denver has a great crowd. The Nuggets will be able to capture momentum with the help of home-court advantage.
Holmgren and the Thunder need to be ready to play a silencer role as they aim to finish up the series in just six games, leaving no opportunity for the Nuggets to win the series in seven games.