The NBA suffered a significant loss on Sunday as one of its brightest young stars, Chet Holmgren, went down with a serious injury. The Oklahoma City Thunder big man sustained a pelvic fracture during a 127-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors, and while Holmgren is expected to return at some point this season, the team will not re-evaluate him for at least eight weeks. The injury is a tough blow for Holmgren, the Thunder, and NBA fans who have been eagerly watching the development of the talented 22-year-old.
The injury occurred when Holmgren went down hard while attempting to defend Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins.
As Holmgren lay on the floor in visible pain, the Warriors broadcast team continued their commentary, but it was their reaction that has since sparked a backlash from viewers. Rather than immediately expressing concern for Holmgren, the focus was on praising Wiggins for his aggressive play.
During the NBC Sports Bay Area broadcast, play-by-play announcer Bob Fitzgerald briefly mentioned that Holmgren was down on the court, but analyst Kelenna Azubuike continued to laud Wiggins for his physical drive to the basket.
“He did not avoid contact. He is dishing out punishment,” Azubuike said. “That’s how you do it. That’s how you negate the shot-blocking ability. I hate that Holmgren is down. I hope he’s OK though.”
Although Azubuike added that he hoped Holmgren was fine, it was the initial reaction that drew the ire of many fans. The timing and tone of the comments, which seemed to celebrate Wiggins’ physicality while Holmgren lay on the floor in pain, struck many viewers as callous and inappropriate.
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Social media users were quick to express their displeasure with the broadcast team’s reaction. “Chet Holmgren is down with a hip injury that could take him out for weeks/months, and the Warriors commentators want to praise Andrew Wiggins for ‘dishing out punishment?’ That’s pitiful,” one fan wrote. Another added, “One of many reasons why people can’t stand this commentary team.”
The backlash was widespread, with another fan declaring, “These Warriors announcers are truly the worst in the world.” This reaction is consistent with earlier criticism of the Golden State broadcast team. In fact, earlier this year, an Awful Announcing poll ranked Kelenna Azubuike and Bob Fitzgerald as the NBA’s worst announcing team, with nearly 60 percent of participants giving them an “F” grade.
Although the commentators likely didn’t fully understand the severity of Holmgren’s injury in real time, their handling of the incident has only reinforced the negative perception that many fans already held.
Holmgren’s injury is a devastating blow for the Thunder, who currently lead the Western Conference. The young star has been instrumental in Oklahoma City’s impressive start to the season.
After missing his entire rookie year due to a foot injury, Holmgren returned last season and averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He had been a key component of the Thunder’s success, leading them to an 8-1 start this year.
Holmgren’s contributions to the team were on full display just days before the injury, as he dropped 29 points in a victory on Friday.
He has been a pivotal figure in the Thunder’s resurgence, providing a combination of offensive versatility and defensive prowess that has helped make Oklahoma City a force in the West. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, which will now have to navigate a challenging stretch without their star big man.
Despite the painful injury, Holmgren maintained a positive outlook when addressing fans on social media. He even showed a bit of humor, joking that he was “p*ssed” Wiggins managed to finish the layup after his block attempt.
In a longer post, Holmgren expressed his determination to return stronger and his disappointment at not being able to help his teammates and play for the fans for the foreseeable future.
“Most of all I’m hurt I can’t help my teammates and play for our fans and supporters for a while,” Holmgren wrote. “Everyone who sticks with me and our team, along with my need for hoops, is a big part of my passion to return.”
Holmgren’s injury and the subsequent backlash against the broadcast team have been a reminder of the fragility of the game and the importance of empathy.
As the Thunder regroup and adjust without their star player, all eyes will be on how the young team responds to this setback.
For Holmgren, the journey to recovery begins once again, but if his resilience over the past year is any indication, he will be back stronger and more determined than ever.
