The Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves on the brink of elimination after they dropped Game 5 at home against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Thunder looked poised to take advantage in the series, but were unable to contain Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, who came out strong and made sure that they had an opportunity to close things out on their own floor.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren look far ahead of schedule as a trio, though now they face their toughest test in the young NBA career.
While Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams have been the primary options offensively, Holmgren’s been their anchor on both ends of the floor as a floor spacer and rim protector.
Holmgren was forced to miss the entirety of the 2022-23 NBA season with a foot injury, but he hasn’t looked afraid of the moment in his rookie year.
Ahead of Game 6, Holmgren noted what he’s learned in his first postseason experience, via Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints.
“Nothing is guaranteed, anything can happen… You got to go out there and give it your all,” Holmgren said.
“Nothing is guaranteed, anything can happen… You got to go out there and give it your all.”
Chet Holmgren on what he has learned in his first NBA playoffs 🗣️
(via @JoeyMistretta_) pic.twitter.com/sz3RlZzE8J
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 18, 2024
The playoffs can turn on a dime at any point, and Holmgren appears to understand that his team is going to have to fight back and take a win on the road.
Holmgren has been solid through five games, but will need to find ways to contribute more.
Dallas is an experienced team that knows what it’s like to get to the Western Conference Finals, so Oklahoma City has to come prepared for what they’ll throw at them once the ball tips off.
NEXT:
Thunder Share Hype Video Ahead Of Crucial Game 6
