With the series tied 2–2, the rising star’s willingness to play through discomfort brings a major boost to Oklahoma City’s title hopes.
In the early moments of Game 4 of the NBA Finals, it looked like the Oklahoma City Thunder might be facing a major setback. Chet Holmgren, their 7-foot rookie center and a key defensive anchor, twisted his ankle just minutes into the game.
The incident caused immediate concern among fans and teammates alike, as Holmgren clutched his leg and took a moment to recover. With the pressure of the Finals and the intensity of a must-win game, his status hung in the balance.
But that moment of uncertainty quickly turned into a display of grit and determination. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s star guard and team leader, offered quick words of encouragement, urging Holmgren to tough it out and stay in the game.
Motivated by his teammate’s confidence, Holmgren shook off the pain and chose to continue playing. It was a pivotal decision — one that would significantly impact the course of the game.
Not only did Holmgren remain on the court, but he delivered a strong two-way performance that proved vital to the Thunder’s success. In the opening minutes of Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Chet Holmgren appeared to be in trouble.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s towering center twisted his ankle, raising immediate concerns. But when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander encouraged him to push through, Holmgren responded with resilience — a decision that proved crucial to the Thunder’s performance.
Battling Through the Pain
Despite aggravating the same ankle later in the game, Holmgren refused to back down. Displaying grit and tenacity, he finished the night with a double-double: 14 points and 15 rebounds. But his true impact was felt on the defensive end.
The Indiana Pacers, particularly Tyrese Haliburton, tried to exploit him on the perimeter. Instead, Holmgren made them pay. Haliburton struggled to break through, often resorting to tough, low-percentage shots that didn’t find the mark.
Thunder’s Impressive Comeback
Game 4 saw the Thunder stage a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring the Pacers 31-17. In a stunning defensive display, Indiana managed just one point in the final three minutes.
This shift marked the first major collapse for the Pacers in this playoff run. Holmgren’s defensive dominance was a cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s comeback, cementing his value to the team’s postseason success.
Injury Concerns Put to Rest
Any lingering doubts about Holmgren’s ankle injury were addressed during Sunday’s NBA Finals practice. Speaking to the media, Holmgren confirmed that his ankle is feeling “fine.”
Observers noted that he moved smoothly during the final 30 minutes of open practice, showing no visible signs of discomfort.
This is good news for Thunder fans, as Holmgren is expected to log significant minutes—possibly close to 40 minutes—in the pivotal Game 5.
Playoff Intensity and Player Durability
At this late stage of the NBA postseason, nearly every player is managing some level of fatigue or minor injury. But with the championship on the line, barring a severe setback, no one is expected to sit out. The drive to win overrides the pain, and Holmgren’s performance is a shining example of that playoff mindset.
Chet Holmgren’s resilience in Game 4 showcased not just his physical endurance but his mental toughness. Despite an early injury, he delivered on both ends of the court, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder claim a crucial win against the Indiana Pacers.
With his injury no longer a concern, Holmgren is poised to play a key role as the Finals continue. As the stakes rise, performances like his underline what it takes to compete at the highest level of basketball.