Chet Holmgren Credits Health and Experience for Thunder Breakthrough Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as one of the NBA’s most dangerous teams during the 2025-26 season, and much of their success has been driven by the continued rise of Chet Holmgren. After battling injuries and physical setbacks earlier in his career, the All-Star forward is finally enjoying the healthiest and most productive stretch of his time in the league.

Holmgren played a major role in Oklahoma City’s dominant second-round victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, helping the Thunder complete a series sweep and secure a place in the Western Conference Finals. His impact extended far beyond scoring, as he consistently influenced games defensively, controlled the glass, and provided versatility on both ends of the floor.

Ahead of the conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs, Holmgren reflected on the progress he has made this season. He explained that improved health has allowed him to focus more fully on basketball instead of constantly managing physical limitations and recovery concerns.

The result has been the most complete version of Holmgren since entering the NBA. With greater confidence, increased physical freedom, and valuable postseason experience, the Thunder star now looks prepared to help lead Oklahoma City through its biggest playoff challenge yet.

1. Health Has Changed Holmgren’s Entire Approach

Holmgren admitted that the difference between this season and previous years starts with his physical condition. After dealing with lingering injuries and recovery setbacks earlier in his career, he said he finally feels capable of performing without constantly worrying about his body. According to Holmgren, improved health has translated directly into better athleticism and quicker reactions on the court. He believes that increased explosiveness has helped him in multiple areas, including shooting, transition play, defensive rotations, and overall activity level. The Thunder forward explained that being healthy has also allowed him to prepare differently before games. Instead of spending most of his energy trying to simply get onto the court physically ready to play, he can now devote more attention to game planning, film study, and execution. Even so, Holmgren emphasized that no player ever feels completely perfect during a long NBA season. He acknowledged the physical toll that comes with playoff basketball but noted that ordinary soreness and fatigue are far different from the significant issues he previously battled.

2. Experience Has Slowed the Game Down

In addition to improved health, Holmgren believes experience has helped elevate his performance this season. After spending more time in the league and experiencing high-pressure playoff moments, he said the game now feels calmer and more manageable mentally. Holmgren described learning how to balance composure with urgency as one of the most important parts of his development. While experience can help players remain steady during difficult moments, he also understands the danger of becoming too relaxed or comfortable in competitive situations. That balance has become visible throughout Oklahoma City’s playoff run. Holmgren has consistently played with confidence and discipline while still maintaining the intensity needed to impact games against elite opponents. His decision-making and defensive positioning have improved noticeably during critical moments. The Thunder have benefited significantly from that growth. Holmgren averaged 20.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game during the second-round series against the Lakers, showcasing the complete skill set that made him one of the league’s most promising young stars.

3. Thunder Prepare for Major Test Against Spurs

Oklahoma City’s next challenge will come against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, a matchup that features two of the NBA’s most talented young teams competing for a trip to the NBA Finals. The Thunder enter the series with momentum after dominating the Lakers, but the Spurs present a very different challenge. San Antonio’s combination of size, defensive versatility, and disciplined execution has already eliminated several strong playoff opponents during its postseason run. Holmgren’s role will once again be critical. His ability to protect the rim, stretch the floor offensively, and defend multiple positions gives Oklahoma City flexibility against virtually any lineup San Antonio chooses to deploy throughout the series. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has repeatedly praised Holmgren’s maturity and growth this season, particularly his poise under pressure. As Oklahoma City prepares to host Game 1 of the conference finals, Holmgren’s evolution into a reliable two-way leader may become one of the deciding factors in the franchise’s pursuit of a championship.