Chet Holmgren is more than just a role player in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s depth. He was one of the biggest reasons the Thunder are NBA champions for the first time since 1979. In his first full season, the seven-footer made a massive impact on both ends of the court during the playoffs and delivered when it mattered the most.
A former Gonzaga standout, Holmgren became the first Zag to play a key role in an NBA title run. While Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried the scoring load, Holmgren brought defensive toughness and versatility. “He was everywhere, blocking shots, rotating, and switching on guards. He’s amazing, and there’s so much more room to grow, ” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Chet Holmgren this playoffs:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 23, 2025
— 15.2 PPG
— 8.7 RPG
— 1.9 BPG
— Led Finals in plus/minus
— Led Finals in rebounds
— Led Finals in blocks (tied)
— Youngest with 40+ playoff BLK since Ibaka
— Youngest with over 10 Finals BLK since Duncan
Odee. pic.twitter.com/gyRoqtQxzH
Across the full playoff stretch, Holmgren averaged 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He led the NBA finals in plus/ Minus rebounds and tied for the lead in clocks. At 23, he became the youngest player with 40 or more blocks in a single playoff run since Serge Ibaka and the youngest to reach double-digit blocks in the Finals since Tim Duncan.
Holmgren’s breakout postseason proved he’s far more than just a promising young talent. With his basketball still ahead, the Thunder’s future looks even brighter.
Chet Holmgren Shapes Into A Key Asset For The Oklahoma City Thunder
The numbers tell everything about Holmgren. He struggled with his shot,39.5% from the field and just 15.8% from deep, but his defense changed the games. In Game 7, he set a new NBA Finals record with five blocks. He also finished the 2025 playoffs with 43 blocks, the second most among all players.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
He also became the third Gonzaga player to score 20 or more points in an NBA Finals game. Moreover, he joined John Stockton and Kelly Olynyk in that category. Holmgren was also the second Zag to record multiple double-doubles in the finals.
After missing his rookie season due to injury, Holmgren’s strong comeback is now evident. “Broken bones, bruises. It’s all temporary. But this is forever,“ He told ABC after lifting the trophy.
Holmgren’s defensive instincts, toughness, and upside were on full display throughout the playoffs. If this postseason is any sign of things to come, the Thunder may have found their next franchise cornerstone.
