Chet Holmgren's long-awaited return helps Thunder top Raptors - ESPN

OKLAHOMA CITY — Chet Holmgren's return from injury makes the NBA-best Thunder even better.

Last season's runner-up for rookie of the year was back in Oklahoma City's starting lineup Friday night after missing nearly three months due to a pelvic fracture. The versatile 7-foot-1 forward had four points, five rebounds, four blocks and two steals during the Thunder's 121-109 win over the Toronto Raptors.

«It's amazing,» he said. «I missed it for a long time, and I worked really hard to be able to get back out there. So I'm happy and excited and look forward to continue to try and help us win and keep improving.»

He played 22 minutes and the Thunder outscored the Raptors by 22 points while he was on the floor.

Holmgren was the second pick in the 2022 draft but missed what would have been his rookie season because of a foot injury. He played all 82 games in 2023-24, averaging 16.5 points and 7.9 rebounds to help the Thunder earn the No. 1 seed in the West.

He averaged 16.4 points and 8.7 rebounds in 10 games this season before getting injured. He wasn't expected to approach those numbers Friday.

«It ties a bow on his return to play. His return to performance isn't over,» Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. «It takes a while for a guy that's been out that long, especially a lower-body injury, to get himself back to game shape, endurance, rhythm, all those things. And so we'll continue to work with him on probably a week-to-week basis. But it was a great start.»

Holmgren could afford to ease his way in because his absence did little to slow MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, who sit comfortably atop the West standings. They improved to 41-9 with the win over Toronto.

Still, there was high anticipation for his