, the NBA Western Conference Finals ushered in the crucial fifth matchup, with the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves. In this contest that determined the direction of the series, the Thunder launched a devastating offensive in the first quarter, leading their opponents 26-9. One of the biggest contributors was young center Chet Holmgren, who stepped forward in the opening stage and quickly opened up the scoring situation for the Thunder, showing the value of a "vanguard".

At the beginning of the game, before the Thunder had fully entered the rhythm of the game, Holmgren showed a strong desire to attack. He scored 5 points in a row in the opening stage, taking care of the team's first 5 points, quickly igniting the atmosphere of the home court and laying a stable foundation for his teammates. These 5 points were not only the key to the Thunder's opening situation, but also psychologically hit the morale of the Timberwolves. Holmgren took practical actions to control the rhythm of the game in his own and the team's hands.

In the first quarter, Holmgren played for 8 minutes and 16 seconds, made 3 of 5 shots , 1 of 2 three - pointers , scored 7 points , 1 rebound, and handed over a plus-minus value of +12. In just one quarter, his efficiency on both offense and defense was perfect. His inside presence not only protected the rebounds, but also effectively interfered with the Timberwolves' multiple offensive attempts. And his accurate three-point shooting also effectively opened up space, creating a more relaxed ball-holding environment for outside players such as Alexander.

Holmgren's performance is not only reflected in the data level, but more importantly in his on-the-spot judgment and execution at critical moments. As a rising star participating in the playoffs in his first year, he can still remain calm and efficient under high pressure, which shows his psychological quality and basketball IQ. As one of the young cores that the Thunder has focused on cultivating in recent years, he has gradually shown his ability to take on big-game tasks.

In a high-intensity confrontation like the Western Conference Finals, the start of each game is crucial. The Thunder was able to establish a huge 17-point lead in the first quarter of Game 5 , which was inseparable from Holmgren's early entry into the state. He injected confidence into the team in his own way and disrupted the Timberwolves' original defensive deployment.

Today, Holmgren is no longer just a skinny 7 -footer, but an indispensable part of the Thunder's tactical system. His versatility, shooting ability, and defensive coverage make him more and more comfortable in today's league. In the next series and even the road to the finals, Holmgren's performance will still be the key factor in the Thunder's success or failure.

As the game progresses, it will be interesting to see whether the Thunder can continue to press the Timberwolves into a desperate situation. Holmgren's growth and responsibility have undoubtedly given fans hope for the Thunder's future.