Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Chet Holmgren joins elite company in playoff debut

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 4/22/24

On their "Mind the Game" podcast recently, LeBron James and JJ Redick credited the arrival of rookie Chet Holmgren as the reason the Thunder went from a play-in team to the No.1 seed within 12 months.

On Sunday, Holmgren proved them right by showing out in his postseason debut, registering 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and five blocks as the Thunder edged Pelicans 94-92 to claim a 1-0 series lead. Holmgren joined Hall of Famer David Robinson as only the second rookie in NBA history to record a double-double with at least five blocks.

Chet Holmgren playoff debut:

15 PTS
11 REB
5 BLK

Joins David Robinson as the only rookies in NBA history to record a double-double with 5+ BLK in their playoff debut. pic.twitter.com/lNHIhJXfN3
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) April 22, 2024

One of Holmgren's five blocks proved to be a game-winning or at least a game-saving one for his team. With less than a minute to go, Pelicans forward Larry Nance had his shot thwarted by Holmgren. The key defensive play allowed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to make a clutch basket to seal the victory.

One of the plays of the game

Look how high this ball goes.... insane play from Chet Holmgren pic.twitter.com/jkaIQrY2Wj
— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) April 22, 2024

Holmgren wasn't the only Thunder rookie who made a critical stop in the clutch moments of the game. Kentucky alum Cason Wallace put the clamps on CJ McCollum during the last possession, ensuring the Pelicans guard couldn't get a clean look to make a go-ahead three.

After the game, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault couldn't stop raving about the defensive impact of his two rookies.

"I thought we showed great grit down the stretch, obviously that was a tight game. It was a bit of brawl for both teams offensively and we made plays defensively down the stretch, big time plays."

Mark Daigneault after tonight's win! #ThunderUp | @okcthunder | @BallySports pic.twitter.com/PfBZdAzOK9
— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) April 22, 2024

For the second youngest team in the NBA, the Thunder showed the grit and determination usually associated with battle-tested postseason teams. Those intangibles will serve them well as they host the Pelicans for Game 2 on Wednesday. The game tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET.

More must-reads: