Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren reflected on his first All-Star Game during postgame media availability. Holmgren discussed the competitiveness of the NBA's new USA vs. World format. Chet played for the USA Stars team, which defeated the USA Stripes 47–21 in the final.
Holmgren talked about his first All-Star Game during media availability after the game.
Holmgren said, "I thought it was good. I thought everybody out there was playing a good brand of basketball." “It felt like, I guess you would say, a pick-up game, and when there's that level of talent on the field, it's always fun, it's always good.”
He also talked about the ring he received for his All-Star selection, which was unexpected for Holmgren.
Holmgren said, "It was pretty cool. I didn't know you could get an All-Star ring until I got it." "So, it was pretty cool. It comes with a little box with a little video in it. It's too bad, but I think I like our ring from last year a little more."
The Thunder forward took a moment to appreciate the special career milestone of his first All-Star Game.
“I definitely tried to take a moment during pictures yesterday and then warming up and playing the game today and think what a great opportunity this is,” Holmgren said. "I felt like I was beautiful most of the time. Just taking it all in."
Chet Holmgren on his All-Star leap with the Thunder
While fourth-year forward Jalen Williams made his All-Star case for the Thunder's Chet Holmgren, most would agree that it was a no-brainer. Ahead of his first All-Star appearance on Sunday, Holmgren discussed the work he's done leading to arguably the best season of his career.
"I would call that all work that's not in the game," Holmgren said. "It's the preparation before games, the morning shoots, the work over the summer; all the stuff that no one sees – the rehab from injuries. If you didn't do it, no one would know about it. But at the end of the day, once you get on the court, it's right there in the air."
Holmgren is averaging career bests in points per game (17.4), field-goal percentage (56%), and rebounds (8.7).
