Chapter One of the Holmgren, Wembanyama Rivalry Lives Up to Expectations

In Oklahoma City's first preseason game of the 2023 season, rookie big man Chet Holmgren showed that he is ready to step in and make an impact.

On Monday night, basketball fans got their first taste of Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama on an NBA court.

Holmgren and Wembanyama both are "new age" big men who are extremely versatile and not as bulky down low. Between their play style, the fact that they were both such highly touted prospects coming into the draft and their history against one another, it is easy to see how a natural rivalry could form between Holmgren and Wembanyama.

In 2021, the two squared off in the U19 FIBA World Cup Gold Medal Match. Despite a great game from Wembanyama and Team France, Team USA ended up taking home the gold medal. 

With both players now in the Western Conference, they will have the opportunity to square off multiple times every season. In their rookie year alone, the two will meet twice on national television.

The first matchup between the two young squads will be at the Paycom Center during the inaugural In-Season tournament on Nov. 14. A little over two months later, the Thunder and Spurs will meet on national television once again, this time in San Antonio.

With two nationally televised games between Holmgren and Wembanyama during their rookie season, it seems clear that the NBA is looking to promote the budding rivalry between the two talented young big men.

The first chapter of that rivalry took place on Monday night when Oklahoma City took down the Spurs 122-121 in the two team's first preseason game. Both Wembanyama and Holmgren looked very confident, with each player tallying an impressive stat line.

Holmgren recorded 21 points, nine rebounds one assist and one block in his NBA preseason debut, going 7-of-10 from the floor and 2-of-2 from beyond the arc in just 16 minutes of action.

Wembanyama finished the contest with 20 points, five rebounds, two steals and one block, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 2-of-5 from 3-point range.

The impressive debuts from both players caught the attention of fans and media members around the league, adding to what could be a fun rivalry between Holmgren and Wembanyama.

Of the 14 points Chet Holmgren scored in the 1st quarter these 2 are my favorite.

Shows his versatility bringing the ball up. The Thunder set a screen for him to get him going to the rim—like something you see for Giannis or Jokic—and then he finishes through a lot of contact. pic.twitter.com/Bv0PgnOHrW

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 10, 2023

Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren trade 3-pointers 🔥

pic.twitter.com/hqkYTUboJq

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 10, 2023

Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren right now pic.twitter.com/VgE3UIao3M

— dean 🦂 (@DeanScorpion_) October 10, 2023

Victor Wembanyama
18 PTS / 3 REB / 77% FG

Chet Holmgren
21 PTS / 9 REB / 70% FG

In the first half 👀 pic.twitter.com/oyqzHhfNT2

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 10, 2023

Chet Holmgren vs Victor Wembanyama for the next 20 years pic.twitter.com/u1Scr8yHNR

— 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒆 🌩 (@Three_Cone) October 10, 2023

If Holmgren and Wembanyama continue to develop into the players that they both have the potential to be, the two will be a fun matchup to watch for years to come. With both players competing for the Rookie of the Year award this season, it will add another layer to the Holmgren-Wembanyama rivalry.

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