Heading into Thursday’s opener between the OKC Thunder and Denver Nuggets, there was a lot of buzz surrounding the showdown between superstars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. After all, the two were the last remaining finalists for the 2023-24 NBA MVP award, with the latter ultimately triumphing in somewhat controversial fashion.

However, after the electrifying 48-minute exhibition, the player who should get the lion’s share of attention is rising star Chet Holmgren, who started his second campaign with an absolutely banging performance.

After finishing second in the running for Rookie of the Year, the 22-year-old was seen by many as a likely breakout candidate heading into the 2024-2025 season, with some going so far as to predict he would blow himself up. to stardom.

Thursday’s first game seemed an indication that he is likely on his way to making this prophecy a reality, as Holmgren was an absolute force to be reckoned with on both ends of the pitch.

In nearly 36 minutes played on the night, Chet Holmgren dropped a mesmerizing stat line of 25 points, 14 boards (setting his career high), 5 assists, 2 steals and a whopping 4 blocks while shooting 61.1 percent of the opponent shot. floor.

While such a performance from the youngster may have turned a few heads and opened eyes wide, his superstar running mate in SGA didn’t seem all that shocked by the second-year pro’s performance, as he simply classified it during a post-game . , on-field interview as an occasion where “he came to play.”

“Obviously it’s the first game of the season. Everyone comes to play, but he has increased his intensity. Obviously he played a big role in why we won tonight. Nothing surprised us. That’s who Chet is. That’s who he has been.” since he stepped on the floor for us and was Chet Holmgren tonight,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

Although already known as a tremendous two-way talent, Holmgren proved in Oklahoma City’s game against their direct conference rivals in Denver that he is capable of taking on the lofty duties of going up against big name talents and status, such as All-World Center, Nikola Jokic.

Impressively, even after highlighting the difficulties of slowing down the Nuggets star despite being at a disadvantage in both the weight and strength departments, the Thunder Big managed to hold Jokic to just 16 points and letting him shoot a goal. just 33.3 percent from distance while serving as his primary defender.

Aside from missing all five of his long-range attempts, you could realistically say Holmgren had a sensational outing for the Thunder. However, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seemed to suggest, the big man’s big impact during the club’s 102-1087 win over Denver was simply another day for the rising star.