After playing his second game at Madison Square Garden, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren discussed the importance of playing in the Mecca following his 28 points in a 103–100 win against the New York Knicks. What Holmgren called playing at Madison Square Garden – "a hooper's dream" – is true for many young NBA players.
Holmgren scored 22 of his 28 points in the first half and finished with six threes. The Thunder All-Star quickly found his offense before his team was able to hold off the Knicks.
"Just trying to find open space. From there, most of my teammates were looking at me and then hitting shots," Holmgren said. "We've had a lot of close games. I felt like we did a pretty good job of getting into the right thing. We made enough plays on both ends to close it out. Obviously, they made some plays, too. They haven't fully converted yet, and if they do, it's a different-looking game. But that's how basketball goes.
"Obviously, we want to get better. We want to keep getting better. Find out from this game how we can get better. It's a tough league, and you always take wins. You never take it for granted. A win is a win."
Perhaps it was the bright lights of MSG that helped Holmgren find his offensive rhythm in the Thunder's three-point win against the Knicks.
Holmgren said, "It doesn't matter if you have 100 points; it only counts as one win on the record. But it's always nice to have a good game in the Mecca." "I've only played here once, and I would say that's definitely my best game at the Garden. So, it's amazing. And on top of that, we were able to win the game, which is even better."
Holmgren's scoring was 11 of 19 from the floor, including 6 of 11 from deep, eight rebounds and two assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points, eight assists and one steal.
Chet Holmgren's win over Thunder on display vs. Knicks
After the Thunder lost Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren led the defending champions to a close win on the road. Caruso suffered a left hip injury, and Hartenstein was also ruled out for the night with a left calf injury. Heading to Madison Square Garden, Holmgren says he can feel the positive spirit from his teammates, as the Thunder end their three-game road trip on a high note.
"Playing in the Garden is any hooper's dream," Holmgren said. “The juices were flowing, and we were ready to play.”
The Thunder, riding a four-game winning streak, will host the Warriors on Saturday.
