Watch: Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace before Thunder and Nuggets game 3

Q: How did you feel about the way the team got Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe involved offensively?

Chet Holmgren: It was great. We have really good players, and when you put them in positions to make plays, they can deliver. We did that well last game and need to keep doing it moving forward because they can have a high impact for us.

Q: How would you grade or summarize Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's playmaking this series?

Holmgren: A+. He scores when needed, makes the right reads, and takes care of the ball. He’s done great.

Q: What are your expectations for Denver heading into this game?

Holmgren: I expect them to bring it. They’re a good team, very competitive, and they’re at home. We have to be ready.

Q: Aaron Gordon shot 44% from three this year. How do you approach that as a defender?

Holmgren: He’s a good player, and good players improve their game. Whether the stats show it or not, every NBA player has skill—there are no dare shots in this league. We just have to make his looks as tough as possible and understand his tendencies.

Q: Are you expecting any shifts in how the physicality of the game is officiated?

Holmgren: We can’t worry about things we can’t control. We’ve worked hard on what we need to do. We need to set the tone, play with force, and not be reactive—we have to come out ready.

Q: Does the Game 2 adjustment give the team confidence for Games 3 and 4?

Holmgren: Sure, seeing the ball go in builds confidence and rhythm. But Game 2 is behind us—Game 3 brings its own challenges. We need to be prepared for those.

Q: Aaron Gordon said Jokic is being fouled first and reacting. What's your take on that?

Holmgren: I think fouls are being called fairly. I only have one perspective on the court and can’t see everything, but it’s a physical game. That’s playoff basketball—we just need to be ready for it.

Cason Wallace

Q: How important is the “0-0 mentality” coming off a big win?

Cason Wallace: It’s huge. The series is 0-0 in our minds. We’ve got to come into this game like it's brand new and try to take one on the road.

Q: How do you carry over the defensive effort from Game 2 into this matchup in Denver?

Wallace: Recovery is key getting off our feet, refueling, and being ready to go for this game.

Q: What’s the key to setting the defensive tone in a tough road environment?

Wallace: Coming out and throwing the first punch. High energy from the start, and sustaining that for all 48 minutes.

Q: Is there anything specific from your Game 2 defensive execution that you want to carry over?

Wallace: Definitely. We all saw how special we were on defense, and we want to bring that same level again today.

Q: You’ve been successful on the road all season—how much does that help going into Game 3?

Wallace: That’s in the past. It’s about this game ahead of us. We have to reset and get back to that 0-0 mindset.

Q: Do you expect Denver to be more physical after Game 2?

Wallace: For sure. It’s the playoffs everyone’s going to throw their best punch.

Q: Is playing in Denver’s altitude something you get used to?

Wallace: We haven’t been here in a while, so I’m sure it’ll affect a lot of us.