The Oklahoma City Thunder have been on a roll this season. As the first seed in the West, they are the most dominant team in the league right now. But they missed their stars Alex Caruso and Chet Holmgren from the team. While Chet is recovering from a right iliac wing fracture, Caruso is dealing with a left hip strain. However, coming back on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, the guard, Caruso could score only 3 points. However with Isaiah Hartenstein out for at least the next week, the team will largely rely on Alex.
Chet Holmgren and his teammate Alex Caruso gave a viral moment for the fans to turn hopeful. They worked on 3-pointers during training on Wednesday. Meanwhile, there’s good news flaring up from Holmgren’s side. The 22-year-old center is reportedly diving into movement drills and light shooting, looking more active daily. He took shots during Tuesday’s shootaround before the game against the 76ers, showing clear progress.
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Alex Caruso working on his 3-point shot pic.twitter.com/KkjThcpjFX
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) January 16, 2025
On the other hand, Caruso responded to the media: “I’ve at least got some reps out of now, so I’ll know what to expect. It’s gonna be one of those things where we’ll do it by committee again. It helps having Kenrich back, and also J-Will. We have at least a center this time, so we won’t be small the entire game. But it helps to have reps out of it, and it’s a tough task.” Well, Isaiah Hartenstein suffered a left soleus strain during last night’s Sixers clash. This means the 7’1″ big guy won’t be suiting up against the Cavs on Thursday. This is also because they don’t have Chet around yet.
And of course, the Thunder fans are happy to see that their stars are recovering and finding their way back on the court. Especially for Chet Holmgren, who has missed the NBA action for a while now, his progress, light training, and shooting say that the floor is calling and he is answering.
Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso pump up OKC Thunder fans with viral video
Chet Holmgren is back in training camps, working out lightly. In the latest viral moment, he was seen passing the ball to Alex Caruso who kept hitting one three-pointer after another. A fan commented: “Ca rentre. Il faudra l’appeller Alex “Steph Curry” Caruso.” (Translation: It fits. He will need to be called Alex “Steph Curry” Caruso.) It’s a pretty hilarious way to say the 30-year-old’s workout will give him the ‘Steph Curry’ tag.
Another fan noted: “Oh hell yeah that jumper is looking gooooood.” Caruso went all-out with his Stephen Curry moves. Of course, Holmgren was a bit more cautious with his movement because he’s recovering from a fracture, nonetheless, the 22-year-old’s practice clips are giving hope to the fans. Chet Holmgren was having a remarkable season before his injury. Averaging 16.7 points per game, the star was surely cooking.
Meanwhile, some fans are also doubtful about Chet’s return. Therefore, they shared a GIF reaction. Marvel Avengers superhero Hawkeye’s famous: “Don’t Give Me Hope” might be the perfect emotion in such a moment.
— Trevor Snyder, PhD (@TrevorSnyder15) January 16, 2025
A fan reminded others: “He’s got a long way to go. 8-10 weeks for reevaluation. Which is now. I’d imagine we are looking at another 4-6 minimum.” The 22-year-old star requires weeks of evaluation and reevaluation before the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for his return. Surely, he’s working out and everything, but expect Chet to be out for at least a month or so. Of course, the team wouldn’t want him to feel strained or add to his injury. That’s the last thing Thunder would want!
“Can he play against the Cavs? 😣💔” A fan asked in desperation. Sadly no, Holmgren won’t be available for Thunder’s matchup against the Cavaliers. Instead, Alex Caruso would be around to help the team. Moreover, OKC would need Caruso as Isaiah Hartenstein’s void needs to be filled.So, with the viral clip, fans are feeling the excitement. However, caution for Chet Holmgren’s condition is the sole priority for the team right now. Meanwhile, Alex Caruso’s return to the team while Hartenstein is out is good news. Now, let’s see how the game vs. Cleveland turns out for OKC Thunder.
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