Holmgren destroys the Lakers, daigneault: “There’s nothing he can’t do”
Chet Holmgren led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a Game 2 win over the Lakers with 22 points and an elite defensive performance. Mark Daigneault couldn’t praise him enough afterward
The Thunder keep sending a loud message to the rest of the NBA. In Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City once again showed it has multiple answers – and, above all, a team capable of responding even in difficult moments.
After trailing by one at halftime and with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander forced to leave the floor in the third quarter, Chet Holmgren completely took over the game.
The Thunder big man finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks and 3 assists, dominating on both ends of the floor. Big numbers, but they only tell part of the story of his impact in the 125-107 victory.
What stood out most was the maturity he showed in the key moments. With the Lakers trying to climb back in it and OKC without its offensive leader, Oklahoma City never lost composure. Instead, it completely flipped the momentum of the game.
In the third quarter, the Thunder overwhelmed LeBron James and company with a 32-15 run, turning a deficit into a double-digit lead. Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain combined for 23 points in the period by themselves, outscoring the entire Lakers team.
After the game, head coach Mark Daigneault offered high praise for Holmgren and didn’t hide his admiration:
He was incredible tonight. He’s always a winner, but tonight even more so. There’s nothing he can’t do. When the lights come on, he’s at his best
Mark Daigneault
Strong words, but hard to dispute after what happened in the third quarter. With SGA on the bench, OKC dominated 32-15 and nearly outscored the Lakers by himself during that stretch.
OKC remains unbeaten in the playoffs, continuing to prove this is not a one-man team. Six players scored in double figures, the defense was relentless, and they showed the ability not to fold when things got complicated. The Lakers now head home for two games to try to get back into the series, but the challenge looks steep.