The two, in their own respective rights, were to birth the versatility of dreams. Twelve games in and without any traditional center or even Caruso — an unexpected understudy for the big-man group — the Thunder doesn’t have an option: shrink to the occasion or drown for the next several weeks.

This is a devastating development. The Thunder looked prime to win 60-plus games this season. A historic defense was anchored by Holmgren, who was speeding his way to his first All-Star berth this year. Now, that's all stopped to a sudden halt.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault had a chance to talk to Holmgren following the devastating injury. The 22-year-old has now suffered two gruesome injuries in his three years in the league. He relied on his previous experience to keep this latest setback in perspective.