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.

Chet Holmgren's nasty fall in their loss to the Golden State Warriors resulted in a hip fracture. He'll miss at least two months. His return-to-play protocol will be updated in 8-to-10 weeks. It's a brutal blow for the Thunder.

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.