Tue Nov 12 22:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Thunder Star Chet Holmgren Suffers Pelvic Fracture, Expected to Return This Season
**OKLAHOMA CITY** – The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a major blow on Sunday as star rookie Chet Holmgren left the team’s 127-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors with a pelvic fracture.
The injury occurred in the first quarter when Holmgren attempted to block an Andrew Wiggins drive, resulting in a hard fall. After a mid-air collision, Holmgren landed awkwardly on his right side and immediately clutched his right leg in pain. He was helped off the court and did not return to the game.
Holmgren, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft, has been a standout for the Thunder, averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks in his first nine games. His 26 blocks this season ranked second in the NBA, trailing only Victor Wembanyama.
The Thunder announced that Holmgren sustained a right iliac wing fracture and is expected to be out for 8-10 weeks. However, they remain optimistic about his return this season.
“It’s hard [to see], ” said teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, expressing concern for Holmgren. “Hopefully he’s OK.”
Jalen Williams, another Thunder teammate, acknowledged the challenge of playing without Holmgren but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt. “It’s not the first time that we have done it,” Williams said. “So looking forward to the challenge on that.”
This is Holmgren’s second major injury, as he missed his rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury. He played all 82 games last season, showcasing his potential as a key piece of the Thunder’s future.
The Thunder, now 8-2, will face the LA Clippers on Monday in Oklahoma City, where they will face the task of navigating their offense without their talented big man.
First Piper 