The Oklahoma City Thunder have confirmed that Chet Holmgren will be available to play in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After dealing with injury setbacks throughout the regular season, Holmgren has returned as a key player for the Thunder in the postseason, helping Oklahoma City take a 2-0 lead in the series. His healthy status is crucial for the Thunder’s continued push toward an NBA Finals appearance.
Holmgren, who suffered a right iliac wing fracture in November and played only 32 regular-season games after returning in February, has been a consistent performer during the playoffs. His presence on the court strengthens the Thunder’s lineup as they aim to prevent a Timberwolves comeback in this high-stakes series.
While Holmgren is clear to continue, Serbian rookie Nikola Topic remains sidelined due to a partial ACL tear, which keeps him out of action for Game 3. Topic is still working on regaining full fitness after months of recovery, making Holmgren’s availability even more important for Oklahoma City’s aspirations.
Impact of Holmgren’s Return on Oklahoma City’s Playoff Momentum
The Thunder’s position as the Western Conference’s top seed for two consecutive seasons underscores their progress, and with Holmgren back on the court, their potential to secure the NBA title has grown significantly. Oklahoma City has shown resilience by overcoming deficits and converting them into decisive victories, and Holmgren’s contributions in scoring and rebounding add crucial balance to the team.
Alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 29.8 points and 6.7 assists, and Jalen Williams, contributing 16.2 points per game, Holmgren’s average of 20.1 points has been vital to the team’s dynamic. Their combined efforts create a multifaceted offense that challenges opponents league-wide, making the Thunder more than a one-star team.
Defensively, Oklahoma City has been imposing, forcing Minnesota into 10 additional turnovers through the first two games. Head coach Mark Daigneault emphasizes controlling the controllable aspects of the game, which has translated into disciplined defense—contesting shots, collapsing on drives, and battling aggressively for rebounds.
What the Thunder Must Do to Maintain Their Advantage
To continue their dominant run, Oklahoma City needs to sustain the intensity seen in the opening games. Success will depend on maintaining sharp rotations, effective fast breaks, and relentless hustling on every possession. Protecting their home court and staying assertive on the road will be essential as the series shifts venues.
The Thunder’s strategy involves limiting opportunities for stars like Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves while capitalizing on turnover-induced fast breaks for easy points. Keeping up this high-level effort on both ends of the floor could see Oklahoma City reach the NBA Finals for the first time in recent years.
This series presents an opportunity for Holmgren and his teammates to achieve what past Thunder lineups featuring Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden were unable to accomplish—advancing all the way to the championship. The team’s current blend of youthful talent and seasoned leadership creates a different outlook and adds to the intrigue surrounding the playoffs.