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Chet Holmgren · As each of the Association’s 29 opposing defenses can attest, the Denver Nuggets’ selfless, free-flowing style leaves them with an offensive ecosystem that ranks both high on leaderboards, and low on limitations. Upon arrival for a high-powered clash between two teams atop the Western Conference food chain, Chet Holmgren took it upon himself to introduce them to two environments that would be off-limits on this night: the rim and painted area. In search of one final push on a night that saw him reject six different Nuggets players, the first-year big focuses in on a must-have defensive stand, patrolling Aaron Gordon’s pass-and-cut action. Staying attached to Gordon just closely enough to shadow his right-sided handoff, Holmgren extends his frame, pinning the celebrated dunker’s flush attempt against the glass for block No. 8. Holmgren’s stifling defense — highlighted by 22 contested shots — helped Oklahoma City flip an eight-point deficit with three minutes remaining into a signature, come-from-behind win on December 16, 2023. Along with holding one of the NBA’s premier paint-scoring teams to under 50 percent in their go-to spot, Holmgren added a two-way impact with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and one 3-pointer to pair with his eight swats. · State of Mint