Daigneault said Holmgren’s competitiveness was a tone-setter in Game 2. The Thunder, dominated in rebounding in Game 1, didn’t let that happen in Game 2, and Holmgren’s ability to mix it up in the paint was a big reason why.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault had confidence in Chet Holmgren bouncing back from missing clutch free throws in Game 1’s 121-119 loss against the Denver Nuggets. Daigneault’s entire team responded in one form or another en route to a historic 149-106 thrashing to tie the Western Conference semifinal series 1-1.

The Oklahoma City Thunder head coach sent a message regarding Chet Holmgren after defeating the Denver Nuggets in Game 2.