Chet Holmgren erupted in the fourth quarter on Wednesday and finished with his fourth 30-point game to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a win over the Utah Jazz.
Holmgren produced 35 points, 14 rebounds, three blocked shots, two steals and one assist in the 119-107 victory. He went 12-of-18 from the field in 31 minutes, and the Thunder improved to a Western Conference-best 48-20 with the victory.
The former second pick became the second rookie to have at least four 30-point games (Victor Wembanyama, 6). He registered his second game with 30 points and 10 rebounds and is the only Thunder rookie to reach that mark in a game.
“We’ve worked hard as a team to make sure we’re finding him on rolls,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “He is just such a vertical threat, not only because you can throw it up to him but you can throw it on the ground to him, and he is skilled enough to catch and not travel or use a dribble and a move to get into the basket. That is, systematically, about how you draw it up. He played within himself tonight.”
Never get tired of these @jdubwttp and @ChetHolmgren connects 😌 pic.twitter.com/l3G1QgqcNX
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) March 21, 2024
Holmgren recorded 18 points in the fourth quarter as the Thunder outscored the Jazz 37-27 down the stretch. It was the second time he has had at least 18 points in a quarter. He scored 19 in the fourth quarter on Feb. 25.
The 7-footer made all six of his shot attempts from the field in the final period, including three emphatic dunks. He did most of his work through contact, earning six trips to the free-throw line.
He was happy with how the team played late to win.
We continued to play together. I feel like we did a good job of that all game. Some shots didn’t fall from the outside but we did a good job of not just saying we’re a team that is going to win when we make shots and we found other ways to open up the game and pull away at the end.
Holmgren is averaging 17.1 points, eight rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks on 38.9% shooting from 3-point range in 68 games. He has played in every game so far for the Thunder and ranks second in points, rebounds and blocks among rookies.
He has played an integral role with the Thunder this season and is a key reason the team is third in offense and fifth in defense. He is one of the top rookies and his effort on Wednesday showcased why he projects to have a bright future in OKC.
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