Victor Wembanyama versus Chet Holmgren, San Antonio versus Oklahoma City. This opposition is gaining more and more momentum in the NBA. For several weeks, the Spurs seem to have gained the upper hand over the Thunder, winning both in the semi-final of the NBA Cup and in the regular season. A series of confrontations which is already fueling debates across the Atlantic and giving rise to the idea of a rivalry destined to take hold lastingly.
Questioned after the new Texan success against OKC, Victor Wembanyama spoke about this rise in tension between the two franchises. In comments reported by Le Figarothe Frenchman delivered a telling comparison: “I don’t know… It must come naturally. The room is full, the energy is different, physicality from the first to the last minute… It’s hard to describe, but it’s like when PSG faces OM in France for example (smile). It’s a real rivalry. It is built over time, it cannot be invented like that. It remains a good opposition”.
.twitter-tweet{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}
The French pivot also insisted on the collective intensity displayed by San Antonio during this convincing victory. “It was certainly a very good match to watch. It’s easier to be motivated to put in the effort when they’re paying off and you’re winning that kind of game, it’s an inspiration to see other guys putting in that effort, things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.”he added after the great success (130-110).
Wembanyama cash on Holmgren
Often presented as generational rivals due to rare physical and technical profiles, Wembanyama (2.24 m) and Holmgren (2.16 m) have known each other for a long time. Their duel dates back notably to the 2021 U19 World Cup, before extending into the NBA with the fight for the rookie trophy in 2023-2024. But for the Frenchman, this individual opposition is no longer relevant. After the last confrontation, he brushed aside the idea of a personal face-to-face: “A rivalry? Actually, I don’t think about that. In any case, sportingly, no, there is no photo (between him and me). »
If the trajectories of the two players differ, their careers remain closely linked. Drafted second overall in 2022, Holmgren missed an entire season before winning an NBA title with the Thunder. Wembanyama, chosen number one a year later, quickly established himself as the face of San Antonio and is already establishing himself as a serious candidate for MVP.
