For fans of a good ‘ol fashioned strength vs. strength matchup, it truly couldn’t get much better than having NBA history’s most productive paint-scoring team against the league’s No. 2-ranked shot blocker in Chet Holmgren. Setting the tone early against the Denver Nuggets, Holmgren pieces together one of his finest sequences, covering for his teammate by sending Aaron Gordon’s hanging layup back in the opposite direction. As if noticing Gordon’s plan at a potential second attempt, Holmgren again plants the “Do Not Enter” sign in the paint, erasing an over-the-head reverse that eventually positions his Oklahoma City Thunder teammates for a transition breakaway score. Neck-and-neck in a two-man race for the No. 1 spot in blocks throughout the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Holmgren added to his already-impressive shot-blocking résumé, pairing his two-block, two-steal defensive display with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and two triples. Following his example, the Thunder cruised to a 43-point win, tying the series at a game apiece on May 7, 2025. · May 8, 2025