Chet Holmgren had an impressive NBA debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder, scoring 11 points, grabbing four rebounds, and dishing out three assists. Following their 124-104 victory over the Chicago Bulls, the Thunder held a players-only meeting. Here are five takeaways from the matchup.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Candidacy: If Gilgeous-Alexander can maintain his performance from Wednesday’s game, he has a strong chance of becoming a top contender for the MVP award. He scored 31 points on an efficient 12-of-18 shooting, while also contributing with five rebounds, 10 assists, a steal, and two blocks. With his All-Star status last season and impressive performance in the FIBA World Cup, Gilgeous-Alexander is poised to chase a scoring title and enter the MVP conversation.
2. Holmgren’s Strong Debut: Unlike the hype surrounding San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren had a solid and efficient NBA debut. He scored 11 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished out three assists, and had one steal in 25 minutes of play. Despite being tested physically by Nikola Vucevic and Andre Drummond, Holmgren held his own. His versatility and ability to handle whatever challenges come his way show promise for his future in the league.
3. Lack of Change for the Bulls: The Bulls’ lack of significant offseason moves resulted in a sense of sameness from last season to this one. This similarity was not necessarily eerie, but rather disappointing. With DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Vucevic leading the team, the Bulls failed to deliver. Patrick Williams, a former fourth pick, showed inconsistency and had little impact. LaVine and starting point guard Coby White struggled with their shooting, missing a total of 22 out of 30 shots.
4. Different Paths for the Thunder and Bulls: While the Thunder have the potential to be an exciting team with depth, youth, and future draft picks, the Bulls are facing uncertainties. The Thunder, led by coach Mark Daigneault, emphasize a defense-first approach and have a talented core that is growing together. The Bulls, on the other hand, must overcome the disappointment of their opener and find a way to improve.
5. Keeping Perspective: Following the first game of the season, it is important for teams not to overreact and remember that there is still a long season ahead. Daigneault reminded his team and all other teams to keep the excitement in check and focus on the process of growth. With 98.8% of the season left, both the Thunder and the Bulls have ample time to evaluate, learn, and improve.
In conclusion, Holmgren’s solid debut, Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP potential, the Bulls’ lack of change, the Thunder’s promising future, and the importance of maintaining perspective were the key takeaways from the matchup between the Thunder and the Bulls.
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Steve Aschburner has been covering NBA news since 1980. You can contact him via email, access his archive, and follow him on Twitter. The views expressed in this content do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
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