11.12.24 Bolts: Chet goes out, Shai steps up
ICYMI: Chet Holmgren will be out for a few(?) months after fracturing his hip. The optimistic view is that Holmgren should heal without need for surgery, and eventually return to play without any scary joint or labrum business (that we know of) lingering beyond the bone break. Isaiah Hartenstein's comeback will soon provide an on-court distraction while we wait for off-court healing to take place.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up in the first game without Holmgren, scoring a career high 45 points against the Clippers on Monday night. More Shai domination = more good soothing/distracting content for your viewing pleasure.
"I don't say this to slight my teammates," Gilgeous-Alexander explained. "But I feel like the end of our season last year in the playoffs, obviously for a lot of them, it was the first time in the playoffs and playing games that meaningful. And I don't want to say they weren't ready, but I feel like I could have equipped them better throughout the year in taking [certain] shots, getting to spots and being more comfortable in certain positions on the court, especially offensively."
The Warriors' crew got low marks from Awful Announcing for handling the call indelicately while Holmgren laid in pain. I typically don't get too worried about local broadcasts being biased against the Thunder, and don't think this is a big deal. But dammit if the Warriors don't always find a way to stunt and annoy us when beating up on injured Thunder teams.
"Oklahoma City can play small and fast with success on the offensive end, but the defensive side of the ball — notably on the glass — could be a challenge. As such, the team collectively will need to step up and be more intentional about rebounding. One player who could provide value on the glass is Ousmane Dieng, who has appeared in a few of the best rebounding lineups without Holmgren this season."
John Hollinger (Athletic) notes that Holmgren's injury is one of many around the league.
