Rockets Limited Chet Holmgren's Production by 'Going Small' Says Coach Ime Udoka

Coach Ime Udoka's defensive strategy led to Chet Holmgren having his worst career performance amid the Houston Rockets' overtime victory against the Thunder.

Mar 27, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) drives against / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets took advantage of the short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night. They extended their winning streak to 10 following a 132-126 overtime victory inside the Paycom Center.

The Thunder were without MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was out due to a quad contusion. Chet Holmgren was the favorite to take the helm for Oklahoma City in the absence of its best player, but the Rockets' defensive game plan made him a non-factor.

Holmgren finished the game with a season-low two points and seven rebounds in the loss. The Rockets' physicality kept the 7-foot-1 versatile big man in foul trouble. Holmgren played 18 minutes before fouling out early through the fourth quarter — the first disqualification of his career.

Mar 27, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) drives against / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

"Going small took away a lot of his lobs he typically gets on five men or the pick-and-pops that he gets," coach Ime Udoka said. "Just crowding him on the perimeter with our smaller guys. We kept him off the glass and attacked him on the other end. He is an elite shot blocker. So, you have to just go into his body."

Udoka credited Dillon Brooks' contributions for setting a defensive tone against Holmgren. He was able to get into his body early when attacking downhill. Brooks' physicality led to Holmgren playing just 10 minutes in the first half after picking up three fouls.

The defensive plan used against Holmgren marked his worst performance of the 2023-24 season and against the Rockets. The Thunder held a two-game win streak against Houston coming into the night, with Holmgren averaging 24.0 points on 67.4 percent shooting from the field, 43.7 percent shooting from behind the arc, 10.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocks.

Limiting Holmgren led to the Rockets improving their league-best record of 12-1 in March. They also remain a game behind the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final Play-In Tournament spot in the Western Conference.