Chet Holmgren Leads NBA in ‘Points Erased’ for OKC Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder’s success during the 2024-2025 NBA season can be attributed significantly to their elite defense. This formidable lineup featured First-Team All-Defense honoree Lu Dort, Second-Team All-Defense member Jalen Williams, and Alex Caruso, a former All-Defensive player. Together, they propelled the Thunder to an impressive record of 68 wins, ultimately securing the franchise’s first NBA title.
Chet Holmgren’s Impact on Defense
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Thunder’s defensive strength was the return of Chet Holmgren, who missed most of the regular season due to a hip injury. Despite limited offensive contributions during the playoffs, Holmgren proved pivotal on defense. In Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, he set a new record with five blocks, solidifying his role as a defensive anchor.
Points Erased Leader
According to a study by Todd Whitehead at Sportradar, Holmgren led the NBA in ‘points erased’ during the 2024-2025 season. This statistic measures the impact of the closest defender on two-point shots. Holmgren excelled in reducing the expected possession value just before the shooter attempted their shot.
Top Defensive Players
Holmgren’s performance placed him alongside notable names such as:
- Victor Wembanyama
- Donovan Clingan
- Daniel Gafford
- Brook Lopez
- Walker Kessler
- Isaiah Stewart
- Rudy Gobert
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Anthony Davis
- Ivica Zubac
- Evan Mobley
Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Holmgren managed an average of 2.2 blocks per game over 32 contests. Although his performance in the current 2025-2026 season has seen a decrease to 1.3 blocks per game, his impact on the court remains significant.
Future Prospects
As the season progresses, Holmgren’s defensive skills continue to be a key asset for the Thunder. He currently averages one steal per game, potentially setting a new career high. Recognizing his contributions, the Thunder awarded him a rookie maximum contract extension during the offseason, ensuring he remains with the team until at least 2030.
Holmgren’s defensive prowess will be invaluable, even when his scoring may falter. The Thunder organization is optimistic about his continued growth and impact on both ends of the court.
