Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives Chet Holmgren ultimate praise after Game 2 win

The Oklahoma City Thunder now hold a 2-0 lead against the Phoenix Suns in their first-round series in the playoffs after winning in Game 2, 120-107, at Paycom Center.

The Thunder leaned on a strong performance in the third quarter, led by Chet Holmgren, who scored eight points in four minutes, ballooning their lead to 14 points, 77-63.

It proved to be the game-changing stretch, as Oklahoma City took control of the rest of the way.

In the postgame interview, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sang the praises of Holmgren, who finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks. He shot 7-of-12 from the field, including 3-of-6 from long range.

“I’m gonna sound like a broken record, but since the day that Chet Holmgren played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, we’ve been the first seed in the West,” said Gilgeous-Alexander.

“It’s no coincidence. He makes plays and he anchors the best defense in the league.”

"Since the day that Chet Holmgren has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, we've been the first seed in the West."

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had HIGH praise for Chet Holmgren

(via @espn) pic.twitter.com/ROBKjuaIE8

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 23, 2026

The Thunder selected Holmgren as the No. 2 pick in 2022. He, however, sat out his rookie year due to a foot injury. Two seasons later, he helped OKC win the title.

This season, he averaged 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks, earning his first nod to the All-Star Game.

With the Suns’ lack of talent in the paint, Holmgren, who was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, should continue to impose his will for the rest of the series. He had 16 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in Game 1.

Game 3 is set in Phoenix on Saturday.

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