The second game of the professional career of Chet Holmgren, in Summer League, went decidedly differently from the first. Only the night before, the second overall call-up in the last draft had stunned everyone, debuting with 6 stoppages, a new Summer League record. Plus also 23 points and many beautiful baskets in just 23′. Last night, however, Holmgren had more difficulties, although his Thunder still won against the Memphis Grizzlies at Salt Lake City (Josh Giddey’s triple-double with 14 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in 27′).
Holmgren made a 11-point, 12-rebound double-double, his stoppages were 2, but he suffered mostly on defense vs. Kenny Lofton Jr, long undrafted who signed a two-way contract with Memphis. Lofton was paired right with the Thunder star, and he has “bullied” him. almost every offensive possession. Taking advantage of his physical strength, the Grizzlies’ long man took Holmgren where he wanted, nimbly getting to the iron and ending his game with 19 points and 6 rebounds.
Kenneth Lofton Jr. is going to WORK 💪 pic.twitter.com/ZOdSImHqXB
– NBA TV (@NBATV) July 6, 2022
Of course, just as the great performance against the Jazz had caused talk, so did this opaque one against the Grizzlies. It came back to raise the issue of Holmgren’s weight, who has a very slim physique and weighs just 88 pounds at 216 centimeters tall (Lofton weighs 127 for 198 cm). On social media Ja Morant was amused, elated by the performance of what could be his partner next season.
kenny lofton 😂😮💨
– Ja Morant (@JaMorant) July 6, 2022
😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/aa1ObUHaIw
– Ja Morant (@JaMorant) July 7, 2022