Oklahoma City solidified their top spot in the Western Conference with a dominant performance against a shorthanded Utah Jazz team. The key to their success? A monstrous  performance from rising star Chet Holmgren.

Holmgren's Stellar Night

Holmgren put on a show, finishing the game just one point shy of his career-high with a remarkable 35 points. He wasn't just a scoring machine though, showcasing his well-rounded game by grabbing a career-tying 14 rebounds and swatting away 3 shots.

His dominance was evident early on. Holmgren had 9 points and 7 rebounds in just the first quarter, helping the Thunder jump to a 22-11 lead. While Utah fought back throughout the game, Holmgren remained a constant threat, particularly in the crucial fourth quarter.

Chet Holmgren Performance leads Thunder at 4th quarter

Trailing early in the third, Oklahoma City displayed impressive resilience. They embarked on a decisive 11-0 run, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 15 points in the quarter. This surge put them back in the driver's seat heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Thunder. A dominant 20-4 run, fueled by clutch threes and powerful dunks from Holmgren, effectively sealed the deal for Oklahoma City.

Credit to Utah's Fight

Despite the loss, Utah deserves credit for their effort. Playing without key players Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, they pushed the Thunder to the limit. Coach Will Hardy highlighted the team's growth and competitiveness, particularly in the first half. However, turnovers ultimately proved costly, allowing Oklahoma City to capitalize with second-chance opportunities.

With this win, the Thunder solidify their position atop the Western Conference. Chet Holmgren's performance continues to solidify his status as a rising star, and the team appears poised for a deep playoff run. Utah, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find ways to overcome the absence of their key players.

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