Winning Rookie of the Year requires more than simply good statistics; it also requires memorable plays that make an impression on voters.
Just like Thursday night, Thunder big man Chet Holmgren slammed the ball against the Clippers by launching himself into an alley-oop off the backboard.
The fact that Holmgren is helping his team win games is more important than the fact that he is a statistical front-runner for Rookie of the Year
He averages 16.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 63.5 percent from the field.
The Thunder ended the Clippers' nine-game winning run on Thursday night with a victory against them. The Thunder defeated the Clippers 134-115 thanks to 31 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 23 points from Holmgren.
The Thunder were playing on the second night of a back-to-back and were rested.
In the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City maintained a commanding lead and went on to win the game.
James Harden and Paul George each scored 22 points for Los Angeles, who were making their season debut sans Kawhi Leonard.