The Oklahoma City Thunder revealed that forward/center Chet Holmgren will be out for a minimum of eight weeks because of a pelvic fracture he incurred in Sunday night’s matchup with the Golden State Warriors. Holmgren broke his right iliac wing after crashing into Andrew Wiggins during a layup challenge in the first quarter. The squad anticipates his comeback this season, with a progress report given in eight to ten weeks.
Impact on Thunder’s Defense
Holmgren’s absence is a major setback for the Thunder, who came into the game ranked first in the league for defensive rating. The 7-foot-1 defensive cornerstone has been putting up averages of 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, effectively protecting the paint and aiding Oklahoma City in a strong season start. His quickness enables him to cover guards, providing a distinctive defensive advantage. In the absence of Holmgren, the Thunder faced difficulties and ultimately fell to the Warriors 127-116.
Gilgeous-Alexander Reflects on Loss
Thunder player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged that the injury affected the team’s concentration, stating, “It’s challenging.” We can only hope that he is alright. “It’s an aspect of the game, but it’s unfortunate.” The Thunder fell behind by 30 in the third quarter but demonstrated determination, narrowing the gap to six by the fourth. Gilgeous-Alexander remarked, “Particularly against strong teams, you can’t fall behind by that much.” “Returning is nearly unfeasible.”
Frontcourt Depth Tested
The Thunder, one of the league’s most talented teams, are currently lacking depth in the frontcourt. Holmgren shifted to center because of Isaiah Hartenstein’s broken left hand, while Oklahoma City was without Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams as a result of injuries. The Thunder will depend on their available depth to maintain competitiveness while they wait for Holmgren to return.
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