Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber performance was a sure winner in the Oklahoma City Thunder-Detroit Pistons game. Still, it was Chet Holmgren’s extraordinary block that won over the NBA world. The Western Conference-leading team proved itself yet again, cementing its position as one of the most deserving contenders and becoming the first NBA team to secure a berth in the 2026 playoffs.
Chet Holmgren’s Jaw-Dropping Block Rallies the NBA World
The Detroit Pistons hung tough on Monday despite missing four of their five regular starters, while OKC was sloppy against the Eastern Conference-leading team. The Thunder were leading 79-74 into the fourth quarter, but the Pistons were not going to give up easily. They rallied and took a 97-90 lead with just under four minutes remaining.
Gilgeous-Alexander rose to the occasion, scoring six straight points and adding eight in the extra five minutes to seal a 114-110 overtime win, finishing with 47 points. Holmgren, one of the top-tier defenders in the NBA this season, stole the limelight with one of his two blocks, prompting the NBA world to rally behind him.
READ MORE: What Happened to Chet Holmgren? Latest Injury Update on Thunder Star and Why He’s Out vs. Bulls
He showcased his elite rim protection by tracking a reverse layup attempt and swatting it cleanly. His ability to contest like that was described as ‘jaw-dropping’ by NBA on NBC and Peacock.
“THIS BLOCK BY CHET HOLMGREN IS JAW-DROPPING.”
THIS BLOCK BY CHET HOLMGREN IS JAW-DROPPING.
📺 Peacock and NBCSN pic.twitter.com/gpijFtU0Ke — NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) March 31, 2026
The NBA commended the 23-year-old for utilizing his height as a key contributor on OKC’s scoreboard.
“Chet uses his incredible length to keep it alive… OKC runs. Isaiah Joe triple! High-effort sequence as OKC leads a tight one in the 4th!
Chet uses his incredible length to keep it alive… OKC runs ➡️ Isaiah Joe triple!
High-effort sequence as OKC leads a tight one in the 4th! pic.twitter.com/ic1iJ1vJMn — NBA (@NBA) March 31, 2026
Analyst page Legion Hoops exclaimed:
“Chet Holmgren. Oh my goodness.”
Chet Holmgren. Oh my goodness. pic.twitter.com/Eqbt90HySZ
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 31, 2026
‘OKC NBA CHAMPS!!!’ recommended Holmgren for Defensive Player of the Year, saying:
“DPOY CHET HOLMGREN MY GOODNESS.”
DPOY CHET HOLMGREN MY GOODNESS
— OKC NBA CHAMPS!!! ⚡️ (@mynameis_kaylee) March 31, 2026
The recent win made OKC the first team in the NBA to reach the 60-win milestone, with a major contribution from Gilgeous-Alexander. The 27-year-old Canadian extended his NBA record for consecutive games with at least 20 points to 136.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 4-3 in the NBA Finals and are likely to repeat the feat. Gilgeous-Alexander is currently among the top contenders on the MVP ladder.
