Tue Feb 25 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **OKC Thunder’s Double-Big Lineup Shows Promise After All-Star Break**

OKLAHOMA CITY – After a slow start, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s highly anticipated double-big lineup featuring Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein is finally showing signs of life. Following the All-Star break, the duo led the Thunder to a dominant 130-107 victory over the Utah Jazz, showcasing improved on-court chemistry and effectiveness.

Holmgren contributed 20 points, while Hartenstein grabbed 13 rebounds, four of them offensive. Holmgren attributed their success to growing trust and a commitment to making the right plays, even if they don’t always result in perfect execution. “We’re always trying to make the right plays,” Holmgren stated. “They’re not always going to end up perfect. Just trust in that when we continue to make those plays we’re going to f*ck it up until we get it right.”

Despite some early offensive clumsiness, the advanced metrics paint a promising picture. With both seven-footers on the court, the Thunder boast a net rating of +26.5, holding opponents to just 97.8 points per 100 possessions. While the sample size is small (136 possessions), even a significant reduction in this net rating would still represent elite-level performance.

Holmgren’s return from injury is also a key factor. He expressed feeling like he’s regaining his form, suggesting further improvement is likely as the duo receives more playing time together. The Thunder’s coaching staff will undoubtedly continue to refine the lineup’s offensive strategies, aiming to maximize its potential.

The team’s performance suggests that the double-big lineup could become a crucial element in Oklahoma City’s playoff push. With continued growth and trust between Holmgren and Hartenstein, the Thunder may have found a winning formula in their frontcourt.

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