The Oklahoma City Thunder were dealt another major blow on Sunday night, as Chet Holmgren, the team’s star center and defensive anchor, suffered a right iliac hip fracture. The injury, which occurred during the first quarter of Oklahoma City’s game against the Golden State Warriors, is expected to sideline Holmgren for at least two months, with the possibility of an even longer absence, potentially pushing into the All-Star break. The team confirmed the diagnosis in a statement, adding that Holmgren will undergo a return-to-play protocol over the next 8 to 10 weeks.
Holmgren, who has been an integral part of the Thunder’s success this season, sounded both determined and familiar with the road ahead in a social media post later that night. “Can’t tell if I feel better or worse about this having been through something similar before,” Holmgren shared, reflecting on his previous injury experience and the grueling rehab process that lies ahead. “On one hand, I know how to approach it, I know what to do, what not to do, and how beautiful the other side is. But on the other hand, I’ve felt the frustration of this process…”
The Injury: A Tough Break for Holmgren and the Thunder
The injury occurred midway through the first quarter when Holmgren, in his usual role as a rim protector, collided with Andrew Wiggins while contesting a layup. Holmgren fell awkwardly to the floor, and it was clear from the moment he got up that something was wrong. He was helped off the court and didn’t return to the game.
A closer look at the play shows the difficulty of playing defense in the paint against someone like Wiggins, who’s known for his explosive moves to the basket. Holmgren, in his second season, had already established himself as a crucial part of the Thunder’s defense, blocking nearly three shots a game and providing a versatile presence on offense as well. His absence will be felt deeply.
What the Thunder Lose with Holmgren Out
Holmgren’s importance to Oklahoma City’s success is hard to overstate. The 7-foot center has been a defensive juggernaut this season, averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. His ability to stretch the floor, shooting 40% from beyond the arc, allows the Thunder to play a unique five-out offense, spacing the floor for their guards and forwards. But it’s on defense where Holmgren truly shines—his shot-blocking ability and rim protection are a key part of the team’s defensive identity.
In Holmgren’s absence, the Thunder will likely rely more on small-ball lineups, which they’ll need time to adapt to. Oklahoma City has one of the deepest rosters in the league, but without their centerpiece in the paint, the defensive dynamic will certainly change. The Thunder’s ability to outscore opponents by 16.5 points per 100 possessions when Holmgren is on the floor highlights just how pivotal he is to the team’s success on both ends of the court.
Impact on the Thunder’s Playoff Push
Sunday night’s 127-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors highlighted just how much the Thunder rely on Holmgren, even though the game was also influenced by an all-time performance from Stephen Curry, who scored 36 points in the win. With Holmgren out, Oklahoma City struggled defensively, unable to effectively contest shots in the paint and giving up easy baskets inside.
The defeat dropped the Thunder a notch in the standings, but the bigger concern is how long Holmgren will be out and how the team adjusts without him. As the Thunder continue to battle in a highly competitive Western Conference, keeping pace with teams like the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns at the top will require both short-term adjustments and long-term resilience.
Oklahoma City is one of the deepest teams in the NBA, with talent such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams leading the way. But even with that depth, replacing Holmgren’s unique combination of defense, rebounding, and shooting will be no easy feat. The Thunder will likely experiment with more small-ball lineups and rely on the versatility of players like Aleksej Pokuševski and Jarrid Rhodes to fill in the gaps.
What’s Next for the Thunder?
While Holmgren is sidelined, the Thunder’s coaching staff will need to get creative with their rotations and make sure their offensive and defensive systems remain intact. The good news is that Oklahoma City has proven to be adaptable, and with a roster that’s as deep and versatile as any in the league, they have the tools to stay competitive in his absence.
For now, the Thunder will have to rely on their collective effort to maintain their position in the Western Conference, especially with the injuries piling up. But one thing is clear: the Thunder’s hopes of making a deep playoff run hinge on Holmgren’s return to form. As the team navigates the challenging months ahead, they’ll need to stay resilient, stay in the hunt, and hope for a smooth recovery for their star center.
In the meantime, Holmgren’s words on social media offer a glimpse into his mindset as he faces yet another lengthy rehab process. As frustrating as the injury is, Holmgren’s resilience and understanding of what it takes to return from such setbacks could be just what the Thunder need to power through this tough stretch.
