Just In; Coach Mark Daigneault Confirmed Massive Impact After Another Veteran Superstar Signed

 

Since returning from a nearly three-month injury absence, Chet Holmgren has made a significant impact on the Oklahoma City Thunder. With a league-best 43-9 record, the team is riding a six-game winning streak, and Holmgren’s presence has elevated their performance even further.

 

Even in his absence, the Thunder were playing at a high level, but his return has taken them to new heights. In the two games he has played this month, Oklahoma City has won by an average margin of 24 points. As he continues to work back to full strength, Holmgren is using this stretch to regain his rhythm before the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend.

 

Offensively, he has been easing back into action, attempting just 15 shots so far. However, as the season progresses, his role will expand, and he will likely resume his position as the team’s second or third scoring option. Defensively, he hasn’t missed a beat, seamlessly reintegrating into Oklahoma City’s system and reinforcing their dominance on that end of the floor.

 

Holmgren’s impact extends beyond traditional statistics. His presence alone forces opponents to alter their offensive approach, disrupts plays, and deters shots near the rim—even when they don’t result in official blocks. Through just 47 minutes in his first two games back, he has posted a cumulative box plus/minus of +27. On the stat sheet, his defensive prowess is just as evident, recording an impressive nine total blocks—an average of 4.5 per game—proving why he was an early candidate for Defensive Player of the Year before his injury.

 

Beyond his individual contributions, Holmgren makes his teammates better. With him anchoring the defense, OKC’s perimeter players can play more aggressively, knowing they have an elite shot-blocker behind them. The best players in the league don’t just perform at a high level—they elevate those around them, and Holmgren embodies that quality.

For the remainder of the season, the focus will be on maintaining his health, rebuilding chemistry, and getting him into peak condition for the playoffs. With the Thunder on track to secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, regular-season dominance isn’t the top priority. Expect coach Mark Daigneault to carefully manage Holmgren’s workload, potentially resting him in some games or experimenting with different lineups to optimize the team’s performance.

 

Oklahoma City has every reason to be excited about Holmgren’s return. His early performances have reaffirmed just how.