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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Clemente Almanza

Chet Holmgren makes rookie history with 17-11-9 performance in win over Nuggets

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s exciting win over the Denver Nuggets was headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s game-winner.

After trailing for most of the night, OKC stole this game after Gilgeous-Alexander’s spin move helped him shoot a turnaround fadeaway jumper that swished in.

The 118-117 win also featured Chet Holmgren almost collecting a rare point-rebound-block triple-double. The rookie center finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks.

Only four other players have had that type of stat line in their rookie seasons in NBA history — Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson three times, Alonzo Mourning twice and Ralph Sampson.

Pretty elite company to keep for Holmgren as all four players are in Hall-of-Famers and had storied NBA careers. The 21-year-old is off to a rocking start to his rookie campaign as he’s played an integral part to the Thunder’s 16-8 start.

In 24 games, Holmgren has averaged 16.9 points on 52.2% shooting, 8.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 2.4 assists. He’s shot 36.7% from 3 on 4.1 attempts.

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