If you’ve been watching the Oklahoma City Thunder lately, you know the vibe has shifted. It’s not just the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander show anymore. Over the Chet Holmgren last 10 games, we are seeing a 7-foot-1 unicorn stop being a "prospect" and start being a problem. Honestly, if you only look at his scoring average, you’re missing the actual story. The guy is essentially turning the paint into a "no-fly zone" while quietly becoming one of the most efficient rebounders in the league.
I was looking at the tracking data from this recent stretch, and the defensive jump is staggering. It’s one thing to be tall; it’s another to have the timing Chet is showing right now.
The Defensive Wall: Blocks and Stocks
The most absurd part of the Chet Holmgren last 10 games has been the rim protection. We’re talking about a guy who just swatted five shots against the Miami Heat last night. That wasn’t a fluke. He’s blocked at least three shots in 10 of his last 11 outings.
Think about that for a second.
Most centers would give their left arm for a single three-block game once a week. Chet is doing it every time he laces up. Over this 10-game window, he’s averaging 3.4 blocks per game. That is peak Hakeem Olajuwon territory. He’s currently tied for the league lead in that category with guys like Alex Sarr and Jay Huff, but Chet’s blocks feel more impactful because they usually lead directly to OKC transition buckets.
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His "stocks" (steals + blocks) are through the roof.
In the win against Houston on January 15, he had four blocks and two steals.
Against Portland on New Year’s Eve, he had a season-high six blocks.
Basically, if you try to finish at the rim against OKC right now, you’re essentially flipping a coin on whether the ball is going to end up in the third row.
Glass Eating: The Rebounding Surge
There was a narrative early in Chet's career that he was too thin to handle the physical toll of NBA rebounding.
Well, the Chet Holmgren last 10 games have pretty much torched that idea.
He’s averaging 10.1 rebounds over this stretch.
He’s recorded a double-double in six of his last 12 games, including a 15-rebound monster performance against Golden State.
What’s interesting is how he's getting them. It’s not just uncontested defensive boards. He’s fighting for position, using those long arms to poke balls away from "traditional" bruisers, and securing the possession.
Against Utah on January 7, he logged 12 boards in 40 minutes of high-intensity overtime basketball. He isn't wearing down; he's getting stronger as the games go on.
Scoring and Efficiency: Doing More with Less
The point totals for Chet might look "modest" to the casual fan—he’s averaging 16.3 points over these 10 games—but the efficiency is what keeps Mark Daigneault happy.
He’s not a high-volume chucker.
He’s shooting 57.3% from the floor on the season, and in this recent stretch, he’s had games like the Houston win where he went 7-of-9.
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He did have one stinker.
Against San Antonio on January 13, he only managed 8 points on 1-of-4 shooting.
It happens. Victor Wembanyama and that Spurs length can do that to anyone.
But he followed that up by dropping 18 and 14 in consecutive games.
The ability to bounce back is what separates the All-Stars from the guys who just have "potential."
Chet Holmgren Last 10 Games: The Raw Numbers
To make sense of the impact, you have to look at the averages across the board from late December through mid-January 2026:
- Points: 16.3 per game
- Rebounds: 10.1 per game (a significant jump from his season average of 8.5)
- Blocks: 3.4 per game
- Minutes: 29.6 per game
- Efficiency: 1.0 made threes per game and a steady 77.9% from the charity stripe.
What This Means for OKC’s Playoff Run
The Thunder are currently sitting at 34-8, right at the top of the West.
A huge reason for that is Chet’s availability.
He did have a minor scare with shin soreness that cost him the Memphis game on January 9, but he came back without missing a beat.
With Isaiah Hartenstein dealing with a calf issue, Chet has had to shoulder a massive load in the frontcourt.
He’s playing like a guy who knows he’s the defensive anchor of a title contender.
The chemistry with Jalen Williams and Shai is at an all-time high.
When Chet is blocking 3+ shots and grabbing 10+ boards, the Thunder are almost impossible to beat because it allows Shai to gamble more on the perimeter, knowing the "Slim Reaper" is waiting at the rim.
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If you’re a fantasy owner or just a Thunder fan, keep a close eye on his blocks-to-turnover ratio. Over the Chet Holmgren last 10 games, he’s only averaging 1.3 turnovers. For a big man who handles the ball as much as he does, that’s elite.
The next step for Chet is finding that 20-point consistency.
He’s proven he can dominate a game defensively.
If he can push that scoring average toward 20 while maintaining these rebounding numbers, we aren’t just talking about an All-Star; we’re talking about an All-NBA candidate.
Next Steps for Followers:
If you're tracking Chet's progress, watch the upcoming rematch against the Spurs. Check if he can adjust his offensive positioning against their length, as his 8-point outing last week was his only real "down" game in this month-long surge. Also, keep an eye on his "minutes played" stats; if the Thunder continue to keep him under 30 minutes while he produces these numbers, his per-36-minute impact is going to look even more historic by the time the All-Star break hits.