Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren Replicates Shaquille O’Neal-Like Playoff Feat Seen Just 4 Times Before

Even without Zion Williamson , the Pelicans still put up a good fight with Trey Murphy III’s 21 points leading the way. CJ McCollum added 20 points and six assists, while Jonas Valunciunas contributed 13 points and 20 rebounds to New Orleans overall effort that night.

The win helped OKC gain an early advantage against a NOLA team that missed its best player due to a hamstring injury. After losing first to the Los Angeles Lakers and getting the final playoff spot in the Play-In Tournament, the Pelicans will now have enormous ground to cover against the Thunder, especially after losing Game 1.

Oklahoma City Thunder Star Chet Holmgren Achieves Shaquille O’Neal-Like Feat in Playoff Debut

After the game, Holmgren achieved a feat only Shaquille O’Neal and three other NBA stars have done before in the league. In a tweet by Derek Parker on X:

“Chet Holmgren becomes the fifth player in NBA history to record 15+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ blocks in a playoff debut. Need those other four, that’s wild lol,” Parker tweeted.

Ope, got it:  “Holmgren joins Shaquille O’Neal, David Robison, Patrick Ewing and Kevin Kunnert on that list,” Parker added.

Similar to San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, Holmgren boasts size, athleticism, defensive prowess, ball-handling, and outside shooting, among others. He also averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game this season.

OKC’s impressive run this season is certainly no fluke, all thanks to Holmgren completing the team’s equation. And as seen during his playoff debut, brighter things are waiting for the Thunder star in the years to come, especially since he’s part of a promising young core with SGA and Williams.