Chet Holmgren had to wear his scarlet letter for about 48 hours.
He had missed two key free throws in the Thunder's game one at home against the Nuggets. It set up a game-winning shot from Aaron Gordon that clinched the win for Denver.
There were many reasons why OKC blew a 14-point lead, but Holmgren took the brunt of the blame because he blew a chance to extend the lead in the final moments.
But by the time game two hit halftime, Thunder fans shifted their focus from Holmgren's gaffe to his greatness.
The big man had 10 points in the first half, including two key free throws that clinched an NBA playoff record.
With less than a second to play before halftime, Holmgren rose up for a mid-range shot and was fouled by Peyton Watson.
He went to the free throw line, where he choked in game one, and knocked down two shots to set the team record for most points in a half of a playoff game in NBA history.
#ThunderUp Chet Holmgren helps @okcthunder set a new #NBA PLAYOFFS Record - Most Points Scored in the First HALF with 87!
— DJACK (@DJACK_RipCity) May 8, 2025
- Previous record 86, Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
- @Mikeg5033 @WatchPlayback #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/6SMWSJNDpk
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Oklahoma City ended the half with 87 points and there were a lot of highlights. But this one gave a young player a chance to redeem himself for a brutal blunder.
No, Holmgren's moment won't take back game one and every team would take a playoff win over a record, but it's nice to see the Thunder star rebound from a tough night.
MORE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER NEWS
One Nikola Jokic stat may intimidate Oklahoma City Thunder fans ahead of Western semifinals
Thunder alum Carmelo Anthony makes major announcement that secures future in NBA world