The one frequent level between Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder‘s 118-104 victory within the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup on the Dallas Mavericks and the remainder of their common season schedule is that they rely equally towards the standings.
On high of that, the competitors felt extra like a playoff environment than a typical December outing. The NBA Cup courtroom added some status and the OKC crowd rained boos on Dallas and Doncic.
Whereas the Thunder downplayed the competitors, their actions on the courtroom stated in any other case. Since final yr, the Mavericks have turn into OKC’s greatest nemesis. Eradicated within the playoffs, the Thunder used this contest to see how they in comparison with the Mavericks with their new offseason additions.
It is truthful to say that Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso are making a distinction on the earth. One other participant who may even drastically change the chances upon his return is Chet Holmgren. The 22-year-old suffered a hip fracture final month. Since then, he has hardly ever been seen within the workforce.
So as to add to the specialness of the NBA Cup, Holmgren attended OKC’s victory. He sat down and stood close to the tunnel of their locker room. Throughout downtime, he used his crutches to hover over the teams. Throughout the broadcast on the Jumbotron, the lively crowd turned louder.
Clearly, Holmgren would relatively be on the sphere than on the sidelines. However his presence was a rallying cry for OKC. The seven-footer gave the pregame speech and it clearly labored as OKC received off to a sizzling begin.
Here is what Mark Daigneault, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort and Cason Wallace needed to say about Holmgren’s presence:
Marc Daigneault
On Holmgren’s presence: “I am completely happy for him that he can try this. This can be a man who was on mattress relaxation proper after that damage. A part of me feels for him as a result of he most likely wished to play on crutches, which would not haven’t been good for him the workforce or for his damage.
“We have had him extra usually. He is in good spirits. I feel mentally he is overcome some obstacles right here and he is beginning to make progress. I feel at first when that occurs you are simply going to take a seat down. It is likely to be tough for him. A man like him. He is been by the method earlier than. He understands the significance of taking it one step at a time.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
On Holmgren’s presence: “It’s nice to have Chet’s spirit round us. Only a humorous man. So constructive. He provides the pregame speeches earlier than the sport is over and he did it tonight. That is most likely why we received. It is at all times good to have him there. Clearly the circumstances aren’t good, however any time we’re blessed by his presence, it is a blessing.”
On Holmgren’s pregame speech: “Not too lengthy. Like 30 seconds. (He stated), ‘Win the sport. Get more cash. Shield the sphere.’ He stated it otherwise, a little bit extra insulting, however that’s the that means of his message.”
Lu Dort
On Holmgren’s pregame speech: “Go on the market and win the match. That is it, actually. Go on the market, win the match and compete. That is it.”
Cason Wallace
On Holmgren’s pregame speech: “I do not bear in mind something concerning the speech. I bear in mind operating and laughing. He at the least made me chuckle. When he needs to, he would not at all times chill out together with his pre-match however this time I could not let you know what he stated.
On Holmgren’s presence: “I really feel prefer it’s good for all of us to see his face. You see, he is in a very good temper.”
This text was initially revealed on OKC Thunder Wire: OKC Thunder gamers react to Chet Holmgren’s presence throughout NBA Cup victory
