feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

The game between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder was one for the ages. As Stephen Curry did not play to his full potential on his return from injury, OKC?s 7?2 rookie, Chet Holmgren, took advantage of this opportunity and played the best game of his young NBA career. Holmgren finished the game with a career-high 36 points and 10 rebounds, leading his team to a thrilling 130-123 overtime win.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

To top things off, Holmgren drilled a crazy buzzer-beater to send the game to overtime. The NBA world took notice, and fans brought Holmgren back into the Rookie of the Year conversation.

ADVERTISEMENT

Chet Holmgren?s buzzer-beater leaves fans in a frenzy

With the game tied at 114-114, Warriors Forward Andrew Wiggins hit a huge three-pointer to take a 3-point lead over the Thunder with 1.6 seconds remaining in regulation. Just when the fans thought the game was over and the Warriors would snap their 5-game losing streak, Chet Holmgren hit an insane turnaround buzzer-beater to send the game to overtime. The fans at the Chase Center went silent in disbelief after Holmgren?s insane shot.

ADVERTISEMENT

Chet Holmgren?s incredible 36-point performance left fans in a frenzy. They crowned him this year?s Rookie of the Year, giving him an edge over 7?5 rookie Victor Wembanyama. One fan wrote, ?MY ROTYYYYY?.

ADVERTISEMENT

Many fans claimed that Chet is way better than Wembanyama, and the Spurs rookie could never do what Chet did tonight.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Fans even gave Chet a cool nickname for his tough shot.

This season?s Rookie of the Year race is insane

ADVERTISEMENT

There are many amazing and talented rookies in this year?s draft class. But realistically, only two players are currently leading the Rookie of the Year race. Spurs 7?5 rookie Victor Wembanyama is the favorite to win the award as he is leading all rookies in scoring with 19.3 points per game. Not far behind is OKC Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren. He is averaging 15.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, and has helped his team get to a 9-4 record. Holmgren is also shooting at an insane efficiency and is currently a member of the 50/40/90 club.

Read More: 6?2 Stephen Curry Throws ?Too Little? Jab at a Foot Taller Chet Holmgren

ADVERTISEMENT

Even though Chet is behind Wemby in stats, OKC’s record and Chet’s efficiency might give him an edge over the Frenchman. There is a long way to go before this season?s Rookie of the Year is crowned. But one thing is certain, whoever wins this year?s ROTY award will have gone through one of the toughest competitions in history.

Watch This Story: Bam Adebayo Humbles Expectations on Victor Wembanyama After Crushing Spurs Rookie With 19-Point Comeback

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Rohan Bhaunt

3,045 Articles

Rohan Singh Bhaunt brings over a decade of basketball experience to his role as Senior NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. A former point guard and video educator with a 62K-strong YouTube following, Rohan channels his high basketball IQ into detailed play-by-play analysis. His background helps demystify complex strategies, blending a player’s lens with sharp editorial clarity. He continues to foster a community of active players through practical breakdowns and easy-to-adopt playing tips.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Saumya Khanduja

ADVERTISEMENT