In a significant development for the Oklahoma City Thunder, star center Chet Holmgren was cleared to play in both games of a back-to-back series for the first time since his hip injury in November 2024. This milestone underscores Holmgren’s progress in regaining full fitness.
The Thunder faced the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, aiming to extend their seven-game winning streak. Despite Holmgren’s return, the team suffered a 140-127 defeat. Denver’s Nikola Jokic delivered an impressive performance with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and eight assists, while Jamal Murray added 34 points. The Nuggets overcame a nine-point deficit in the third quarter, outscoring the Thunder 39-28 in the fourth.
Oklahoma City’s Luguentz Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led their team with 26 and 25 points, respectively. Holmgren, adjusting to the demands of consecutive games post-injury, struggled offensively, shooting 3-of-11 from the field and missing all five three-point attempts.
The game also saw All-Star forward Jalen Williams exit in the second quarter due to a right hip strain, further challenging the Thunder’s lineup. Despite these setbacks, Holmgren emphasized the importance of defensive resilience, stating, “We got to control the game in other ways and defense is one of them.”
Holmgren’s participation in back-to-back games marks a positive step in his recovery, offering optimism for the Thunder as they navigate upcoming challenges.
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