Chet Holmgren’s Impact on Thunder Championship Run Highlighted by NBA Analyst
Data analysis reveals Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren had a significant, positive impact during the team’s 2025 NBA Championship season, extending far beyond traditional box score statistics.
While acknowledging some postseason offensive struggles – Holmgren shot 46.2 percent from the floor and 29.7 percent from three-point range during the playoffs – analysts point to his defensive prowess and overall team performance when he was on the court. The Thunder were a +7.6 with Holmgren playing, the highest differential among players with at least 500 minutes of playoff time. Opponents shot 53.2 percent within six feet of the rim when he was on the floor. “I think [Holmgren’s offensive struggles] really overlooks how good he was defensively and how good the Thunder have been on the court when he’s played,” one analyst noted.
Further data from Cleaning the Glass shows the 2024-25 Thunder ranked in the 92nd percentile in effective field goal percentage, 93rd in points per 100 possessions, 95th in opponent points per 100 possessions, and 98th in point differential with Holmgren on the floor. The team also performed exceptionally well when Holmgren scored 19 or more points, going 12-1 in the regular season and 18-3 overall including playoff games. This success is particularly noteworthy considering Holmgren spent much of the year recovering from a right iliac wing fracture. The Oklahoma City Thunder are hoping to build on this momentum in the upcoming season.
In the nine games Holmgren played at full health, he averaged 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.9 blocks while shooting 51.9 percent from the floor and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc. Analysts predict Holmgren is poised for an even larger role and increased production in the 2025-26 season, potentially becoming the team’s most improved player. ESPN’s NBA coverage provides further insights into player development and team outlooks.
Team officials stated today that they are focused on Holmgren’s continued health and development as they prepare for the start of the new season.
