WATCH: Chet Holmgren after OKC takes 3-0 lead against Memphis

Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren credited trust from Coach Mark Daigneault and key plays from his teammates for Oklahoma City’s strong second-half performance in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies, saying the team “reconnected with who we are” after a shaky start.

Thunder Coverage:

1. Thunder rally from 29 points down after Morant leaves with injury, top Grizzlies for 3-0 series lead
2. How the Thunder's stunning comeback gave them a 3-0 series lead vs. Grizzlies
3. Daigneault guides Thunder to 29-point playoff comeback: 'We reconnected to who we are'
4. >>> More OKC Thunder Playoff coverage HERE.

Q: Chet, the resilience tonight — what stood out to you as the game progressed, especially coming out of halftime?

Chet: First off, credit to Coach Mark for sticking with me. He trusted me and even called a play for me to bomb one right out of the half, even after the mess I had in the first half. Once I saw one go in, I felt good. From there, we just controlled what we could, and we were able to pull it away.

Q: You've been alongside Jalen Williams (Dubb) for three years now. What did you notice from him in the first half, especially with how poised he was on both ends?

Chet: We always know what we’re getting from Dubb. The first half wasn’t going our way, but he stayed composed, stayed in control, and was creating when we had no rhythm. That’s just who he is.

Q: It looked like Jaren Jackson Jr. said something to you during the game — did that spark anything in you?

Chet: Nah, he didn’t say anything. He had a breakaway dunk, started yelling — we all do that. Then he kind of turned and ran into me when he had space to avoid it. I just said, “Don’t do that.” That was it. Nothing more.

Q: You mentioned Coach Mark stuck with you. What did you do with that opportunity, and what changed for you after halftime?

Chet: I just wanted to take advantage of the trust he showed. In the second half, we reconnected with who we are. That means trusting each other and playing how we’ve played all year — making the extra pass, trusting the guy next to you on both ends. That’s our identity.

Q: The Grizzlies had more turnovers than made buckets in the second half. What comes to mind when you hear that?

Chet: I think of Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, Jalen, Shai — those guys getting after it. That’s what made the difference.

Q: Speaking of Caruso — he hit you with that late three off a drive-and-kick, and had big defensive moments. What did you see from him down the stretch?

Chet: That’s just AC being AC. He’s been doing that long before he got here. Nothing he did tonight surprised us. We see it every night.

Q: What is it about Caruso’s game that makes him even more valuable in the playoffs?

Chet: He does everything — takes charges, guards bigger guys, dives on the floor. He’s physical, plays without hesitation. That’s huge in the playoffs, where every inch matters. I don’t know if it’s a skill or just something you have, but AC’s got it.