How Thunder’s Chet Holmgren put NBA on notice after Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic duels

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OKLAHOMA CITY — The first week of the 2026-27 NBA season held no punches, with marquee matchups between Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs and Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren passed the test with flying colors. Holmgren held Wembanyama to 12 points on Opening Night, as the All-Star center finished 1-for-13 in their first meeting since Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.

Holmgren’s 14 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks helped the Thunder win 116-104 against the defending Western Conference champions, drawing first blood in a new chapter of the NBA’s newest rivalry. Then, Holmgren faced off against three-time MVP Jokic in the Thunder’s home opener in Oklahoma City.

While both teams struggled to find their shot, connecting on 27% or less of their 3-point attempts, Holmgren limited Jokic to 13 points on 5-for-19 attempts, including 1-for-7 from deep. He also grabbed 17 rebounds and swatted four shots, out-rebounding Jokic by 10, and created defensive stops that led to a 17-point lead in the final frame of a 96-84 Thunder win.

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After the game, Holmgren reflected on the philosophy embedded in the fabric of the Thunder’s culture since its rebuilding years. It’s what led to a championship run in 2025 and nearly reaching the Finals in back-to-back years last season: their emphasis on constant improvement, regardless of the opponent.

For Holmgren, the Thunder still have work to do with only one week of regular season behind them.

“We’re 2-0. That’s great. Personally, I feel like there are so many areas to improve. So much to clean up. I know we feel the same way as a team, and that’s the mindset we always try to have,” Holmgren said. “Whether we’re 2-0, 0-2, one game into the season, 80 games into the season, we’re looking at where we can be better. And that’s what we’re going to do. In the moment, it’s just trying to figure out and do what it takes to win.”

Still, Chet Holmgren’s effort in the Thunder’s first two games didn’t go unnoticed, as Oklahoma City veteran forward Kenrich Williams told him something Thursday night that Holmgren will never forget.

“I think I had the best compliment in my life today. Kenny Hustle [Kenrich Williams] said he’s never seen me play harder,” Holmgren said. “I don’t know if I was just getting to a lot of loose balls or if I was actually playing that hard, but for Kenny Hustle himself to say that, I was honored.”