Mark Daigneault feels good about Holmgren-Hartenstein lineup ahead of 2025 NBA playoffs
Mark Daigneault feels good about Holmgren-Hartenstein lineup ahead of 2025 NBA playoffs
Since Chet Holmgren returned from his hip fracture in February, the Oklahoma City Thunder spent the last two months of the regular season gelling his chemistry with Isaiah Hartenstein despite some rocky moments — relatively speaking, of course.
The concept of rocky moments is foreign to the Thunder this season. They had a franchise-best 68-14 record and captured the NBA's record for best point differential in league history. They only had two two-game losing streaks all season long.
Having a strong hold of the first seed for most of the season, the Thunder could afford some growing pains between the two seven-footers. The double-big lineup was prominently featured in OKC's starting lineup and turned into a winning machine by the end of the season.
In 316 minutes together, Holmgren and Hartenstein had a 12.5 net rating. It's not the biggest simple size among the Thunder's two-player combinations and not the highest net rating, but it shows it can work, especially against larger frontcourts.
As the Thunder await their Round 1 opponent, the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks could be opportune opponents to utilize the Holmgren-Hartenstein duo. The eighth seed will have Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II or Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey.
Either way, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is confident in Holmgren and Hartenstein. They spent most of the post-All-Star break schedule prioritizing their rapport and didn't need to sacrifice wins to do so.
"It's been good on offense. It's been good on defense. It controls the glass on both ends of the floor. Those guys work really well together," Daigneault said. "It's given us a completely different tool to draw on. We won't do it exclusively obviously, but it'll be a part of what we do no matter who we play."
Who the Thunder start in Game 1 will be an interesting storyline. There's no question there are matchups and moments where they look better with just Holmgren at center, but there's no doubt the double-big appeal is easy to understand.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic Sends Austin Reaves Message After Lakers Trade Report
Luka Doncic Sends Austin Reaves Message After Lakers Trade Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The biggest storyline for the Los Angeles Lakers' 2024-25 season was the blockbuster midseason trade that brought Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis. This move paired Doncic with LeBron James, creating a formidable duo to strengthen the Lakers' championship aspirations. Advertisement Following the trade, the Lakers experienced a surge in performance, finishing as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, with a 50-32 record. Doncic's integration into the team transformed the Lakers into a hopeful championship contender, but their run ended in the first round. While much focus was placed on the Doncic-James duo, these two stars had a high-level third option in Austin Reaves. Los Angeles Lakers teammates LeBron James (23) and Luka Doncic (77).Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images Reaves averaged a career-high 20.2 points this past season, and has been a topic of discussion since LA was eliminated. While trade rumors have surrounding the rising star, especially as the Lakers seek an upgrade at center, Dan Woike of the LA Times reported last month that Reaves is not expected to be moved unless the Lakers get an "impossibly good offer" for him. Advertisement Just two weeks after this report, Doncic appearance on James' and Steve Nash's Mind the Game podcast. Among other things, Doncic specifically brought up Reaves, being sure to include him in a discussion about the growing chemistry between LA's best players. "I've never played with a guy like this," Doncic said of James before bringing up Reaves. "Just being traded to LA; it was different… [Us] two out there and [Austin Reaves], who's been playing unbelievable. I still think it's a work in progress." This message from Doncic adds more merit to the report from Woike that Reaves is not expected to be moved this offseason. Doncic highlighting Reaves as part of a "work in progress" trio that includes he and James certainly feels notable. Advertisement Statistically, Doncic maintained impressive numbers in LA, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game since joining the Lakers. While there have also been rumors about James' and Doncic's future with the Lakers, LA's front office has maintained its commitment to building a roster that complements the duo. Related: Three-Time All-NBA Star Announces Decision on Retirement Related: NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony Reacts to Major Kiyan Anthony News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Craig Sager's wife posts touching tribute after NBA on TNT finale
Stacy Sager, the wife of the late broadcasting legend Craig Sager, posted a tribute to her husband while marking the end of an era after the NBA on TNT concluded its run following the Knicks' loss to the Pacers in Game 6 the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday night. Stacy Sager, who married Craig in 2003, posted a picture to Instagram of all the mic flags Craig had collected over the course of his career in a tribute and reminder of the storied career Craig had, which included stints at TBS, TNT and CNN. 3 Beloved NBA Broadcaster Craig Sager, known for his outlandish suits, has died aged 65 after a long fought battle with cancer in 2016. Ronald Martinez The photo featured mic flags from various networks and decades, taking up a giant shelf. 'Fairwell (sic) to an epic era on @nbaontnt @tntsportsus Craig was a sentimental collector of all things sports starting with every 'flag mic' from every event he covered for over 30 years of interviewing legends,' Stacy Sager wrote. 'Thank you to the Turner family for all the memories.' Craig Sager is of course remembered best for his time with the 'NBA on TNT' while wearing his beloved flashy suits during broadcasts. He died in 2016 at the age of 65 after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2014. 3 Craig Sager accepts the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance onstage during the 2016 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 13, 2016. Getty Images 3 Stacy Sager is pictured. stacy 'Craig was as vital to the NBA as the players and coaches. A true original and an essential voice on Turner Sports' NBA coverage for 26 seasons, Craig chronicled some of the most memorable moments in league history and was a ubiquitous presence with his splashy suits and equally colorful personality,' NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at the time of his death. Basketball fans enjoyed Sager's tribute online, enthusiastically reacting to the post. 'That is so cool – what a great way to remember Craig and his career,' one person wrote on X. 'That is awesome. He is a legend and is missed,' another wrote. 'Craig was the best man,' a third person chimed in.
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Luka Doncic on the criticism that he is slow
Luka Doncic on the criticism that he is slow Although Luka Doncic has been a phenomenal NBA player over the last several years, he has recently gotten a good deal of criticism. Much of it has centered around his subpar fitness and conditioning, as well as the fact that he is pudgy and has trouble staying in front of his man defensively. One reason for his defensive shortcomings is his lack of speed and quickness, which could be partly attributed to his lack of fitness. But overall, Doncic has never been a speed demon. He was a guest on the latest episode of the "Mind the Game" podcast, which is co-hosted by LeBron James and Steve Nash. Nash brought up the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are heading to the NBA Finals thanks to a young, deep and athletic cast, and he asked Doncic about his speed, or lack thereof. The superstar gave an interesting response. "I have speed, I just don't show it," Doncic answered. There have been videos of Doncic from the 2018-19 season, when he was a rookie, posted on social media lately, and he displayed more speed and quickness back then. Since he has apparently already slimmed down this offseason, the hope appears to be that improving his fitness and conditioning heading into next season will make him quicker on both ends of the floor. According to at least one report, Doncic has changed his mindset and actions as far as taking care of his body.
