The Oklahoma City Thunder’s exciting win over the Denver Nuggets was headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s game-winner.
After trailing for most of the night, OKC stole this game after Gilgeous-Alexander’s spin move helped him shoot a turnaround fadeaway jumper that swished in.
The 118-117 win also featured Chet Holmgren almost collecting a rare point-rebound-block triple-double. The rookie center finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks.
Only four other players have had that type of stat line in their rookie seasons in NBA history — Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson three times, Alonzo Mourning twice and Ralph Sampson.
Chet Holmgren had 17 points, 11 rebounds and 9 blocks tonight.
Only four other rookies in history had that line or better.
– Alonzo Mourning (92-93, twice)
– Shaquille O'Neal (92-93)
– David Robinson (1989-90, 3 times)
– Ralph Sampson (1983-84)— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) December 17, 2023
Pretty elite company to keep for Holmgren as all four players are in Hall-of-Famers and had storied NBA careers. The 21-year-old is off to a rocking start to his rookie campaign as he’s played an integral part to the Thunder’s 16-8 start.
In 24 games, Holmgren has averaged 16.9 points on 52.2% shooting, 8.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 2.4 assists. He’s shot 36.7% from 3 on 4.1 attempts.
